The Winchester U3a debating group was formed in January 2024. Each month we have an informal debate in which we each participate having spent some time researching the facts ourselves.

Attending a debate can be far more interesting, and thought provoking than attending a conventional lecture and our own research also helps us all to better understand both sides of the argument. At the end of the debate, we have a vote whether we support or oppose the motion.

The best topics for debate have fairly strong arguments on both sides. They either tend to focus on whether an action is morally right or wrong.  e.g. abortion, euthanasia - or whether a statement is true or false. e.g. life is getting better, climate change is the greatest threat to humanity today.

Everyone has up to 5 minutes to present their argument to the rest of the group. After everyone has spoken, we vote either for or against the motion. Then we have a brief discussion on what the motion will be for the next debate.

Most of our debates thus far have been challenging to prepare for as well as interesting and extremely thought provoking. The motion for February that ‘Euthanasia should be legalized in the UK ‘ was passed – by a small majority, as was March’s motion that ‘Climate change is the greatest threat to humanity today’. The motion for our third debate in April : ‘Artificial intelligence is more harmful than beneficial’ was even more challenging. At the very least, we had each learnt a lot more about its uses and applications as well as its potential dangers, than we had previously known.

In May, we debated the following motion: ‘Modern architecture has lost its way.’ For this debate we borrowed the Winchester u3a computer, projector and screen so that we could illustrate different architectural styles. If other groups wish to use this equipment at any time, please contact Vernon Tottle at treasurer@winchesteru3a.co.uk. The motion lost.

This photograph shows the ornate Romanesque architecture of the main hall of the Natural History Museum London, which the Times described as ‘a true Temple to Nature’ when the building was completed in 1881.

Since then we have debated the following motions:

‘Books are a better medium for story telling than films.’

‘The world would be better place without organized religion.’

'Free speech should have no limits'.

'There should be a universal basic income for all adults.'

'Social media is more harmful than beneficial.'

'The United Kingdom should become a Republic.'

The group meets on the 4th Wednesday of each month from 2 - 3.30pm in Kings Worthy.

To email the Group Leader click on the link with her name. To obtain the Group Leaders telephone number access the Telephone Directory.