Intelligence Squared Debates at Merkin Concert Hall

If you're interested in experiencing live, robust debates, Intelligence Squared U.S. is an an award-winning series which offers a non-partisan platform for polarized viewpoints on topical subject matter within American public discourse.

A non-profit organization with the mission to encourage critical thinking, facts, reason, and civility, Intelligence Squared U.S. hosts debates which promote intellectual diversity by fostering respect for contrary opinions and presenting factual discourse. The organized debates are widely distributed as a radio program, podcast, online broadcast, television, and digital video series. Here in Lincoln Square, you can also enjoy these debates live at Kaufman Music Center's Merkin Concert Hall. 

Coming up, there are two debates scheduled in the next two months: On Tuesday, October 24 you can experience a debate about compensation for college athletes and on Tuesday, November 14 you can experience a debate about feminism. The series' platform is based on the traditional Oxford-style debate format, with one side proposing and the other side opposing a sharply-framed motion. Before the debate begins, the audience registers their pre-debate opinion using an electronic voting system tethered to each seat. These results are announced at the end of the program.

Enjoy a cash bar reception for panelists and audience members at 6:00pm before each debate. Live debates begins at 7:00pm. Tickets for each debate are $40 with both senior and student discounts available. You can purchase tickets online or contact the box office at (212) 501-3330.