Debate

Last night, we had a conversation at dinner that started with a story related by my son that he learned in school. It was about a huge tree in a forest that some man was planning to cut down. All the animals that live in that tree or depend upon the tree for food then convinced the man not to do it. Apparently, this was no ordinary tree. It was some kind of mystical, magical tree on which all life in the forest depended. If it died, the whole forest would die. By his account, it seemed like a cute story with an agenda.

Well, I couldn't resist, so I asked a few questions. I asked my kids if it was bad to cut down trees. My daughter responded that maybe the man needed the tree's wood to keep him warm. If he didn't have that wood, he might freeze. My son responded that by cutting down the tree, all the animals living in that tree would die. So I asked if the life of a man was more important than the life of an animal. It turned out that was a really good question. My daughter confidently answered "yes." My son said, "No way." They debated. Who taught my young children to debate?! I was so impressed.



I asked more questions. What are trees used for? Why did God make them? Some of their answers: they create oxygen; they offer shade; they're a source of food for animals and humans; material for construction; fuel for warmth. They agreed that it could be ok to cut down trees. I ask: if it isn't always bad to cut down a tree, could it ever be bad? What would make it bad? My son answers that it can't harm the animals. A few other ideas surfaced after some discussion, but I can't remember them all. I then remind them of our wanton destruction of trees in our front yard. Why did we kill them? Their answer: they were blocking the view of the house and killing the grass. Was that justified? Pause. Mixed answers. That was fun to goad my children to question one of our parental decisions.

The debate went on. We revisited the question on the relative value of human life vs. animal life. I tried really hard not to state my own opinion, but kept asking questions to get them to think critically. I wish I could re-create the whole scene for you, but I'm afraid some of the details are gone.

Maybe I shouldn't have, but I added fuel to the fire by telling them part of the story of Ernest Shackleton and his expedition to the Antarctic. Being in dire circumstances, the men eventually shot and ate the sled dogs they had brought. There's more to the story and more that I told them for background, but I asked them if the men were justified in doing that. I asked what they would do if they were given that choice.

Throughout the meal, I was impressed with their arguments and the logic they employed. I kept wondering if I was dreaming as I watched my elementary school age kids debating so intelligently. Of course, without me moderating, it might have devolved into a fight ... or more likely wouldn't have taken place at all. But still, I was amazed. I am constantly amazed at the intelligence of my children. I really believe they are smarter than I am. They don't know as much yet, but give them a few decades and they'll debate me into a corner.

All four of us were engaged in the discussion. All of their eyes were intense and focused throughout the meal. They LOVED it and so did I. That was one of the funnest dinner conversations I've had in years. I think I've been assigned to tell the rest of Shackleton's story at dinner tonight. Maybe tonight will be another debate! Cross your fingers.