What is a concession in the context of a debate?

In the context of a debate, a concession refers to the act of a debater intentionally admitting to or acknowledging a valid point made by the opponent. This can serve several strategic purposes; most importantly, it demonstrates the debater’s fairness and willingness to engage with the strongest aspects of the opposing argument. By conceding a point, the debater can build credibility and show that they are not simply dismissing their opponent's argument, but rather considering it thoughtfully.

This approach can also be used to redirect the focus of the debate. Once a point is conceded, the debater can then refocus the discussion on their own arguments, highlighting reasons why their overall position remains strong despite the conceded point. This tactic often serves to reinforce their own case by setting up a comparison or contrast with the context of the conceded argument. Thus, making a concession can be an effective rhetorical strategy to strengthen one's own position while respecting the discourse.