Holding debates with the people of argumentation

The questioner:
Regarding holding debates.

The Shaykh:
If there is a need for them, there is no harm.

The questioner:
With the people of argumentation.

The Shaykh:
If the need calls for it, there is no harm in it. Good.

The questioner:
It should be held in the presence of the general public, in the presence of the people.

The Shaykh:
Depending on what is feasible; it is better among scholars, whereas among the general public, matters may become confused for them. But if the debate is held in the presence of scholars, it is more complete and safer.

Another questioner:
This falls under the saying of 'Ali: "Speak to people what they can understand."

The Shaykh:
This is a different matter from the debate.

Another questioner:
Debates, sometimes. Hmm.

The Shaykh:
The debate between the people of knowledge, and they are among the general public; the debate between the people of knowledge and the people of insight.