Being able to debate with others is great, and as I'm relatively stupid it does mean that when I partake in debates with people I can pretty much guarantee to learn something from it. It's so great to be able to see things from other's perspectives and to bound ideas around. Definitely one of the more fun things I find on this list.

If it can remain a discussion, and not turn into an argument, yes.

I can't even elaborate much on some of the answers you've given, they're all good.   Who with any thought in their head, doesn't like their noggin to zing with a spark? That being said, 'intellectual equals' can also apply to those moments you're drunk with friends at 5am in a gazebo and toasting with wine... and acting stupid.. if it's spirited and you're on the same wave.. it's all good. 

When I'm in the mood for this, this web-site is usually the last place I look.

Yes, certainly, I like to engage in this. Unless it becomes acrimonious. Or I am simply too tired to think properly.

Definately a great pleasure.Mental stimulation is just as necessary as physical stimulation-for the same reason-the mind can get flabby just as the body when not kept active.

Pleasurable yes, unless you're on the intllectualy deficient side of the discussion. Very frustrating, lol.

I couldn't have said it better than Eschew.

I have found RIA to provide this, although not in every instance. Private messaging with a number of members has been quite interesting as you get the chance to find out why someone who is rational, kind and thoughtful, sees a subject in a completely different light than do you. Private messaging eliminates the trolls, the zealots and other distractions and allows you a frank and open discussion. Being conservative, it's easy to attribute left-leaning views to shallow thinking or high school and media-based indoctrination, and there certainly is a lot of that. Intelligent liberals are the most fascinating because they don't answer in slogans or sarcastic rips. They challenge you to articulate your opinion without use of those tactics, too. There aren't a lot of idea-exchange forums that facilitate that, and the exchanges are valuable. We definitely agree on more than we disagree and generally all want the same things. It's the labels and personalities that obstruct intelligent verbal exchange.

Yep, talks like these are the highlights of my days. I consider myself a conscious, studious person. I'll talk about any subject at length especially intellectual and spiritual matters.

Tough to argue against this. I have my football buddies and my colleagues and the discourse definitely is different.

Sure beats gossip and bitching, it's great to talk about and debate issues that require more thought than it sucks or it rocks.

I couldn't agree more, but I aboslutely love just open, flowing intellectual discourse