In order for this type of discussion to work, it's important that the claims are written to avoid ambiguity/vagueness and that they aren't trying to lead people to a given opinion. I think a good way to try to achieve this, at least at the start, is via moderation.

It's easier to start with moderation and gradually/eventually loosen things than it is to go in the other direction. I'm going to keep watching how things go and re-evaluate.

Reddit seems like it's done a better job building (somewhat) healthy forums for discussion than other places on the internet, and my sense is that it's because there is a clearer expectation for defined rules and moderation.

Some goals I have for this platform: (1) people can freely "think in public" about views that they are undecided about (or even disagree with) and (2) there's very little cost/friction to changing your mind about whether you agree with a view or not. I think one way to encourage this is to not attach the views to the particular people who post them. Just put an idea out there and think about it along with everyone else. See where you end up…

All else being equal, letting people express themselves is preferable.