Can debate effectively change people's minds and perspectives?

Yes, debate can absolutely change minds and perspectives, though the process isn't always predictable or immediate. Through structured dialogue and reasoned arguments, debates create opportunities for people to encounter new information, challenge their existing beliefs, and potentially shift their viewpoints. However, the effectiveness depends on various factors including the participants' openness to new ideas, the quality of arguments presented, and the psychological barriers that may influence how people process conflicting information. While certainty about specific outcomes may be elusive, the fundamental capacity for debate to transform understanding remains a powerful tool for bridging divides in polarized discourse.