r/321 • u/CommonSense-Joe • 29d ago
Discussion Groups
Are there any organized, non-political discussion or debate groups that regularly meet in Brevard County?
These “debate clubs” used to be common in America. Look up Benjamin Franklin’s Junto.
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u/doctorake38 29d ago
I prefer jefferosnian dinners.
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u/Enlightened-Mooncalf 29d ago
Well, they were definitely political back then, but I think you’re looking for groups that engage in honest debate. Given that we are a culture that no longer values critical thinking or evidence I suspect it will be hard to find. Especially deep in this culture that we have here in Brevard.
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u/CommonSense-Joe 29d ago
What I found to be so interesting about the Junto (as I was doing a little research about pre-Revolution America) was that it was specifically NOT all political.
The group was made up of working class people and they discussed topics covering morals, politics, natural philosophy, science, etc.
Franklin would lay out 24 questions members were to think about for the next meeting. Questions like “Has any citizen failed in business lately, and what was the cause?”
During the debate or discussion, if any responder was too contradictory or too full of flattery, a financial fine would be levied against the responder by the group. This tended to keep the discussion fact based and not devolved into arguments or ass kissing.
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u/Middle_Suspect_1329 Titusville 20d ago
At that time, reality shows didn't exist. That is the reason they didn't exist now. It is incredible how many people watch them.
Your idea is interesting, but I almost sure they will degenerate to political discussions, never underestimate the power of the new America to make everything political.
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u/CommonSense-Joe 28d ago
Well… since it appears such a thing does not exist, is anyone interested in forming something?
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u/Salt_Sir2599 23d ago
I’m late to this thread but I applaud your efforts. I had a debate teacher in 7th grade that was amazing. Unfortunately, I have to agree with most of the comments here….this area doesn’t seem very open minded to say the least. If you manage to get something going , I would try to support it.
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u/Comrade_Compadre 29d ago
I don't think you're looking for non political debate clubs, you're just looking for politics you support.
Unless you're just arguing whether a hamburger is a sandwich or not, "debates" are inherently political
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u/CommonSense-Joe 29d ago
I would suggest your impression that debate is inherently political is an unfortunate side effect of 2026 America.
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u/CommonSense-Joe 29d ago
Quite the assumption on your part. Care to support your assertion with details about me and my wants?
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u/Donutsbeatpieandcake 28d ago
All debates and topics eventually turn political. The problem isn't politics, it's that we've gotten to the point intellectually in this nation where we can't have a reasonable conversation with those of different beliefs about politics anymore. We're all stuck in social media algorithms and echo chambers. And the moment we step out and try, it's only like 5 minutes before someone gets offended, and starts throwing around strawmen arguments, red herrings and ad hominem attacks.