If the debate is about raising children:
* Upbringing: This word emphasizes the process of raising and educating a child.
* Training: This word suggests a more structured and disciplined approach to raising a child.
* Education: This word focuses on the development of the child's mind and character.
* Development: This word highlights the growth and progress of the child.
If the debate is about cultivating something else:
* Cultivate: This word can be used for nurturing plants, ideas, or skills.
* Foster: This word implies supporting and encouraging something to grow.
* Develop: This word suggests promoting growth and progress.
* Promote: This word focuses on actively supporting and encouraging something.
If the debate is about nurturing something abstract:
* Cultivate: This word can be used for nurturing feelings, relationships, or values.
* Nourish: This word implies providing sustenance and support.
* Promote: This word emphasizes the importance of actively supporting and encouraging something.
* Advance: This word suggests moving something forward and making progress.
To give you a more precise answer, please provide more context about the centuries-old debate. What is the subject of the debate? What are the opposing arguments?