Have the rules of argument and debate been consigned to history?

We all know we in a world of ever-shrinking social media algorithms pumping us with articles, videos and memes that support — rather than challenge — our views of the world.

The expression of opinions seems to have become about volume and constant repetition rather than based upon facts.

We have become shouty. When someone shouts, the other side either shouts back or shuts up.

So opinions become more entrenched and polarised and legitimate debate is stifled and suffers — and those of us who care not to get into such wars of words, stand back and don’t engage.

What we now miss is the expression of an opinion, supported by evidence, that seeks to influence or inform how we might think about an issue.

We should listen to other peoples’ views, and if we do challenge them, challenge the facts and how they support an argument.

Or espouse a counter view, but not a personal attack on the individual.

In a world that faces so many difficult choices, argument and debate are even more important.

How are we to make decisions about the country we want to be if we can’t get to grips with the issues.

Politicians live in a soundbite, or wordbite world.

None of us, for example, know or understand the complexities of getting the NHS or social care right — let alone what sort of NHS or social care we might want, because we don’t have the debate.

No one asks us. We all have 280 character opinions, and some of us do think more deeply about the subject.

But when the leadership of the Tory party debates seem to be driven by who can promise more tax cuts, when all of us can see what the lack of funding is doing to healthcare, education, social care, then we are being taken for fools.

This isn’t about politics — it is about logic and what sort of country we want to live in.

Let’s encourage debate. Let’s celebrate the expressions of opinions for and against an argument.

Let’s listen to what others have to say.

Let’s respect the opinions of others — support them when we believe they are right, and challenge their argument (not them) when we think they are wrong.

That might assist in rebuilding our broken communities, creating a fairer world, and providing a future for our youth.

A future you will never be able to describe in 280 characters.