Lessons in the Art of a Good Argument

Developing rational thoughts and constructing arguments to better our lives may be one of the most refined facets of human interaction. Two teams did just that as they went head to head recently at Sunway University College in the celebrated Oxford vs. Cambridge Debate 2007. Organized by the Oxford and Cambridge Society of Malaysia, it featured current Oxford and Cambridge students and members of the English Speaking Union (ESU) Malaysia World Student Debate Team 2007.

The motions this year were “This House Believes that the Medium of Instruction in Schools Should be English” and “The House Believes that Security Measures are Justified at the Expense of Civil Liberties”. The latter motion was chosen by a coin toss, less than an hour before the debate commenced. The Cambridge team was the Government and the Oxford team the Proposition.

The Debate was an impromptu one so that bright speakers will have to think on their feet. The motion generated the right level of heat, lightness and controversy as the speakers put their ultimate test brandishing word against word with wit and intellect. The compelling topic brought forth the winning team with the most mettle, from Cambridge, who supported the motion.

The afternoon, as promised, was a deft and healthy exchange of ideas which would attest to the words of George Bernard Shaw “The moment we want to believe something, we suddenly see all arguments for it, and become blind to the arguments against it”

Participation from the floor, also regarded as the members of the “house” was encouraged. They were also allowed to interrupt on points of information.

A former A-Level student from Sunway University College, Qu Hsueh Ming who is pursuing Politics, Philosophy and Economics at Oxford University represented the Oxford team. The Chief Judge for the event was Mrs. Margaret Kaloo. Principal of ELC International School and Elizabeth Lee, Executive Director of Sunway University College and past President of the Oxford and Cambridge Society of Malaysia, was the Mistress of Ceremonies.

The Debate was sponsored by Sunway University College, Deloitte Malaysia and the ESU with the cooperation of JobStreet.com.

About the Oxbridge Society of Malaysia

The Oxford and Cambridge Society of Malaysia was registered on 11 January 1960, at the initiative of the late Tun Sir Henry H.S Lee. The Society was founded to promote and facilitate social, recreational and cultural activities between past and present members of the Universities, to further causes and projects in the interests of the members, and to hold an annual Boat Race Dinner on the eve of the Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race.

True to the objects of the Society, the Society has organized annual Boat Race Dinners, debates, dinner and luncheon talks and numerous other events. The Society has played host to many distinguished guests and dignitaries, including our Prime Minister and the Vice-Chancellors of the Universities.