Does Debate Make You Smarter?



If you thought engaging in debates was just a lively exchange of words with two distinct parties trying to prove their point, think again. Debating is a mental workout that stimulates both cognitive abilities and overall brain health. Your brain can be perceived as a muscle : the more you use it and train it, the more you create and reinforce links between your neurons.



If you think about how babies’ brains develop while listening to their parents’ discussions and why they learn languages so fast, that is a good starting idea.



Studies have even shown that some cognitive functions can decline over time, starting in your early 30s. However, a 2013 study found that young adults who engage in brain stimulating activities showed improved cognitive function.



So yes, the brain will be positively influenced in many ways by brain activities like debate. But the relationship between intelligence and debating is akin to the classic "chicken or egg" scenario: Are individuals naturally endowed with higher intelligence drawn to debating, or does the act of debating itself enhance one's cognitive abilities?



Let's delve into this intriguing interplay!



Innate Intelligence Leading to Debating



It's plausible that individuals with higher cognitive abilities are naturally attracted to intellectually stimulating activities like debating. Their inherent aptitude for critical thinking, quick information processing, and articulate expression makes debating a fitting arena to showcase and further hone these skills. This perspective suggests that debaters are, by virtue of their pre-existing intelligence, more inclined to engage in such activities.​



This question of “smartness” isn’t new — it’s been explored in other cognitively demanding activities like chess. For decades, researchers and fans alike have asked: Are elite chess players inherently more intelligent, or does playing chess enhance intelligence over time?



Studies suggest that high-level chess performance is strongly tied to memory and pattern recognition, particularly what's called chunking — the ability to remember and recognize recurring positions. In fact, chess grandmasters aren’t necessarily geniuses in general IQ terms, but they do display exceptional memory for board positions, which allows for strategic depth. It's also important to remember (pun intended) that some researchers on intelligence link strong memory to the basis of many forms of intelligence.



Why? Because memory isn’t separate from intelligence — it’s a core component. Working memory, in particular, supports reasoning, decision-making, and mental flexibility. These are all skills that also apply to debating.



So, like chess, debate draws on and strengthens specific types of intelligence:



1. Verbal fluency
2. Logical reasoning
3. Memory retrieval
4. Perspective-shifting



Debating as a Catalyst for Intelligence



Conversely, engaging in debate can serve as a powerful tool for cognitive development. Debating demands rigorous analysis, quick thinking, and the ability to view issues from multiple perspectives. These requirements can enhance critical thinking and intellectual agility.



For instance, a study highlighted by Business Insider found that employees who underwent debate training were 12% more likely to advance into leadership roles, indicating enhanced cognitive and leadership skills .​



One notable example of a company that included debate in their culture is Bridgewater Associates, one of the largest and most influential hedge funds in the world, founded by Ray Dalio. The company is famous for its internal culture of radical transparency and open debate.



Bridgewater mandates debate. Yes, you read correctly.



Employees are encouraged (and trained) to challenge each other’s ideas openly, regardless of hierarchy. Dalio's philosophy, outlined in his book Principles, is based on the idea that intellectual disagreement leads to better decision-making. New hires and teams undergo training where structured debate and argumentation are seen as essential tools for refining ideas and avoiding groupthink.



“The best ideas win — that’s our culture,” Dalio says. “You have to be willing to put your thoughts out there and let them be tested.”



While not a formal speech and debate team, the company’s internal processes mirror competitive debate principles: presenting arguments, evidence, rebuttals, and arriving at a clearer collective understanding.



The Symbiotic Relationship



In reality, the relationship between intelligence and debating is likely symbiotic. Individuals with higher intelligence may gravitate towards debating, and the practice of debating, in turn, sharpens their cognitive faculties. This continuous feedback loop suggests that while debaters may start with a certain level of intelligence, the act of debating further amplifies their cognitive abilities.​



One of the best and most modern ways to get into debating today is actually online! Learn how you can get started in this article on online debate platforms.



Do We Have an Answer in The End?



Whether innate intelligence leads individuals to debate or debating enhances intelligence remains a nuanced discussion. However, it's evident that debating serves as both a magnet for the intellectually inclined and a crucible for cognitive enhancement. Engaging in debate not only showcases one's intelligence but also actively contributes to its growth!



Never miss the greatest debates by subscribing to our newsletter!