The character bian (辩) denotes debate. The Warring States Period witnessed the contentions of the Hundred Schools of Thought. On this philosophical battlefield, theorists from rival schools participated in debates over numerous subjects or theses and overtime they began to consider debate as a philosophical subject. Some thinkers, especially the later Mohist scholars and Xunzi (313?-238 BC), discussed the significance, principles, and methods of debate. Some others, however, treated it critically or with reservation. Mencius (372?-289BC), for one, said he would resort to debate only when he had no other choice. The Daoists, for another, spoke out against debate.