3 April 2014 Visit by Stirling University Debating Society

President Colin Strachan welcomed members, visitors and 8 students from Stirling University Debating Society to a meeting with a difference last week. Arranged by club member Mary Fraser, the meeting took the form of a debate with members of the club joining the students to argue for and against two motions.

The first, slightly tongue in cheek, motion was that 'This house believes the UK has already over-expanded its production of graduates'. Some lively debate ensued, with one of the students arguing his degree was only a means to get a better job in a fast food outfit. The audience were fairly well split down the middle before and after the debate.

The second motion was very topical in this 100^th anniversary year of the start of World War 1 and was 'This house believes Britain's involvement in the First World War was necessary'. The show of hands before the debate showed a very strong majority who agreed with the motion, with 3 abstentions. Both sides had prepared very well for the debate and there were strong cases, supported by many external references and historical examples, put by the two teams. On the conclusion of the discussions, a final show of hands revealed the opposing team had persuaded 2 initial abstainers to vote against the motion, however it  was carried with a 2/3rds majority in favour.

Both the students and club members agreed it had been a very enjoyable and worthwhile exercise and it was hoped it would become an annual event.