The important distinguishing characteristics of discussion lie in its purposes and in the manner in which the activity is carried ou. Thus the word describes not any group of human beings talking together, but a group seeking to put together their knowledge, ideas and opinions about one subject in a co-operative endeavor to learn from each other. Instead of the destructive rivalry of a debate, a discussion seeks to be constructive, to encourage members to speculate freely, to withdraw or amend earlier statements and to make adjustments to their opinions without fear of loss status. In a real discussion people try to listen to teach other, to learn from each other, and by working together to reach a little nearer to the truth or to the solution of the problem or to whatever other educational objective they have in mind.