Dmitry Dugarev
Entrepreneur, Founder of mindclash
mindclash
Rediscover the art of bold, meaningful conversation. Challenge your beliefs in respectful, structured debates — where ideas clash, not people.
- 2 hours
- To be announced
- Frankfurt am Main
- Up to 30 attendees
- English / German
Sign up for event announcements, topic voting, and community updates.
- +17
Our Mission
Untested beliefs break easily.
In a world increasingly shaped by algorithms, we are surrounded by voices that echo our own. Social media feeds us curated comfort, mass media reinforces our biases, and gradually, we begin to mistake consensus for truth.
Worse yet, when disagreement does arise, it's rarely constructive. Arguments turn personal, relationships fray, and truth gets lost in the noise.
That is why I founded mindclash. Here, we break out of our bubbles to engage in structured, respectful debate — where ideas clash, not people.
Stress-Test Your Worldview.
Don’t just hold opinions — defend them. Find out if your worldview stands up to smart, respectful challenge.
Learn the Art of Persuasion.
Learn how to build arguments, spot flaws, and change minds — starting with your own.
Connect With Open Minds.
Join a diverse community of critical thinkers, united by the conviction that truth is born from argument.
Experience True Freedom of Discussion.
No topic is off-limits. If you believe monarchy beats democracy, say it — and defend it.
Go Outside of Your Bubble.
Step outside the curated comfort zone. Encounter people and ideas you’d never meet online.
The Evening
This isn’t a lecture. It’s mental CrossFit. A high-energy, structured evening designed to sharpen your thinking and deepen your perspective.
01
The Welcome & Framing
The moderator sets the ground rules and introduces the evening’s provocative topic.
02
The Caucus
Pro and Con groups form, refine arguments, and anticipate the other side’s moves. This 10-minute collaborative session with likeminded people allows for argument refinement and confidence building before the debate.
Key Considerations:
- Why is our position strong?
- What are the weaknesses in our argument?
- How can we counter expected opposing points?
03
The Structured Debate
Small groups of four (two 'Pro,' two 'Con') engage in a dynamic, multi-round debate focused on clarity and depth.
- 1
The Common Ground
5 minsThe moderator provides a list of 2–3 key terms from the topic with suggested definitions. Both teams read them and either agree or propose their own versions in a short round of free discussion. If disagreements arise, teams must agree on working definitions before moving on. For example, for the topic 'Capitalism promotes justice', suggested terms may include 'capitalism' and 'justice'.
- 2
Team Preparation
6 minsEach team (2 people) privately plans its opening statement and assigns speaking roles. For instance, one speaker may introduce the argument (3 mins), and the second support it with examples (3 mins).
- 3
Opening Statements
12 minsBoth teams present their full case without interruption. Speaking order is decided randomly (e.g., coin toss). Each team has 6 minutes total and may divide time between speakers as they wish.
- 4
Structured questioning round
24 minsThe team that spoke first in the opening begins. Each team may ask 3 questions total. In each round, one team asks a question (max 1 minute), and the other has up to 3 minutes to respond. Then the roles switch. Example: Round 1 — Pro asks a question, Con responds. Round 2 — Con asks a question, Pro responds. Round 3 — repeat. Moderator enforces strict timekeeping and ensures equal opportunity to question and answer.
- 5
The Crucible (Open Debate)
45 minsAll four participants engage in open discussion: rebutting, challenging, and clarifying points. Example: 'You say capitalism rewards effort — how does it account for inherited wealth?' Each team may request up to 3 neutral fact-checks.
04
The Debrief
The crucial culmination. The group reconvenes to consolidate learnings and bridge divides. The focus shifts from "winning" to collective understanding.
Moderator's Reflections:
- For 'Pro' side: What was the 'Con' side's most convincing point?
- For 'Con' side: What argument from 'Pro' made you think the most?
- What did you learn about the art of discussion tonight?
05
Informal Socializing
The structured event concludes, but conversations continue. Participants are encouraged to stay, share a drink, and connect informally. This is where respect deepens and community flourishes, proving that intense disagreement can coexist with mutual regard.
"Mindclash helped me articulate ideas I didn’t even know I had. It’s not just a debate — it’s a mental gym that leaves you sharper, humbler, and more connected."
Our Ethos
We Vow to Seek Truth, Not Trophies.
This is a lab for ideas, not a competition or a parliamentary debate game. There are no points to earn. Success means leaving with a stronger argument, not proving you're the best speaker. These Golden Rules are the bedrock of every discussion.
The Veritas Prime Directive.
Argue the idea, not the person. No ad hominem attacks.
The Godwin Clause.
The first person to make an inappropriate comparison with Hitler to shut down an argument has lost the point.
The Principle of Common Ground.
Before we can disagree, we must agree on what we are talking about and define the terms.
Heat ≠ Insight.
The purpose is to understand and persuade, not to trigger and enrage.
Become Part of the Conversation.
Sign up to receive details of the next event, vote on upcoming debate topics, and join a community dedicated to the pursuit of truth through a discussion.
- 2 hours
- To be announced
- Frankfurt am Main
- Up to 30 attendees
- English / German
Sign up for event announcements, topic voting, and community updates.
- +17
Questions?
Everything you need to know about attending your first Mindclash event, answered. If you have more, don't hesitate to reach out.