The final of the 32^nd Debate Competition of Renmin University of China (RUC) was held on November 30 in Mingde Hall, with the School of International Studies and the School of Public Administration and Policy competing for championship.

After engaging in a heated debate on the topic “People’s cognitive gap widens/narrows in the information age”, the School of Public Administration and Policy secured championship, while the School of International Studies won the runner-up title.

The atmosphere of the final debate was intense, with frequent rounds of applause and cheers from the audience. Outside the venue, the live stream attracted 88,405 viewers, receiving over 170,000 likes and more than 2,000 bullet comments.

During the debate, the proposition team from the School of International Studies argued that the cognitive gap in the information age is widened due to biases in information dissemination, unequal access to information, and individual cognitive differences.

Meanwhile, the opposition team from the School of Public Administration and Policy argued that in the context of globalization, the flow of information and the dissemination of knowledge supported by advanced technologies have narrowed the cognitive gap.

During the interactive session, Judge Jiang Zhenyu emphasized the importance of discerning the quality of information in the information age due to its uneven production. He stressed that bridging cognitive gaps should not be the ultimate goal, but rather achieving a healthy consensus is key. Jiang also advised students to master information, leverage the advantages of the digital age, and enhance their information literacy and connection with society.

In the commentary session, Professor Fan Ju from the School of Information discussed the the proposition team’s “information cocoon” argument, explaining its mechanisms and limitations. He also highlighted how information technology professionals aim to reduce inequality and the digital divide, referencing the opposition team’s “information equality” argument. Fan also encouraged students to strengthen their autonomy and initiative amid rapid AI development.

Professor Liu Wei from the School of Philosophy summarized the debate, evaluating both teams on their argument depth, data, case preparation, internal logic, and responses. Liu noted the strengths and weaknesses of both sides and concluded with a quote from Gorgias: “Answer your opponent’s earnest with a jest and his jest with earnest”.

In the exhibition match, debaters from RUC Zongheng Debate Society and Peking University’s Student Debate Association engaged in a brilliant debate around the topic, “The highest form of love is to possess/to set free”. The witty and humorous exchange demonstrated the high-level debating skills of the two universities.

To enhance its inclusiveness, innovation, and relevance, the 32^nd Debate Competition introduced a new topic selection model: “public collection + committee recommendations + organizer supplements.” A total of 306 topics were gathered, with 196 (64%) from students, alumni, and the public, 47 (16%) from the Debate Committee, and 62 (20%) from the organizing committee, based on international debate topics.

The topic collection process encouraged grassroots youth organizations, students, and the broader youth community to focus on social changes and personal growth, and the selected debate topics sparked reflection and provided valuable guidance for youth consensus.

From the group stage to the final, the 32^nd Debate Competition featured 30 matches, with 295 debaters from 23 teams representing 27 schools, showcasing youthful ambition and boldness. The competition also attracted thousands of audience members on and offline, and received over 60,000 clicks, integrating campus debate culture into the broader system of independent talent cultivation.