While in theory debaters are not necessarily emotionally invested in their point of view, in practice debaters frequently display an emotional commitment that may cloud rational judgement.
Research also shows that sleep-deprived individuals often have difficulty in responding to rapidly changing situations and making rational judgements.
Hilarious name calling of a piece of equipment you've not even seen in the flesh let alone used long enough to offer a rational judgement.
Sounds like yet another group of people charmed by the Apple halo effect, leaving their sound rational judgement behind.
And if that fails, and there is still no hand of man apparent in the removal, then it will be time to consider a rational judgement.
It is clear that his liberal assumptions led him to believe in the people's ability to make good, rational judgements, thus maintaining the possibility of improving social and political situations.
He has the best of America's commitment to genuine democracy and the ability of well-informed citizens to make rational judgements and hold the powerful to account - if only they have the information.
In the case of the parents, they are unlikely to be in a position to make a rational judgement.
There is a very valid argument that pushing religious doctrine at children, who are not old enough to resist that propaganda is a form of abuse which restricts their ability to make a rational judgement for the rest of their lives.
As politicians we need clear advice from scientific committees if we are to make rational judgements, take the necessary risk management measures and produce good legislation.