Need help figuring something out...

Okay, so I had this idea for a book.

Basically, I, the author, am a talk show host and in each chapter, I invite someone new to come speak with me (over an issue of social/political/economic relevance). It will essentially be a debate for each chapter... So for instance, if Carl Marx came onto the show, I'd argue against communism, and he'd argue for it.

My main question is, what would such a book be classified as? I'm not sure if it's fiction or not. I mean, essays are non-fiction, and I imagine each chapter as a sort of creative essay that shows both sides of the issue and finally comes to some sort of resolution.

What do you guys think?

Hey guys, thanks so much for all your responses! They've definitely given me an ample amount to think about.

The idea was actually prompted by a creative assignment in English class. We read a book that was divided into sections on a number of philosophers and we had to write something that reflected what we learned about one of them. I did A Conversation with Karl. I got a 100.

I was thinking it would go under philosophy as well, but my issue here is that it could also technically fall under fiction... Especially if it has a plot tying all the debates together.

User Her Name- That's interesting, I had no idea there was something like that out there. Also a bit disappointing. And here I thought my idea was so original. lol.

To be perfectly honest, I'd have to disagree with Mr. Mailer. Writing is about imagination. Sure, we write best about the things that are familiar to us. But I think a writer should also be able to use his intuition to write about people in different circumstances than he as well. For instance, part of what makes Elie Wiesel's Night so powerful is that he actually lived through the holocaust.

And yet, I don't think living through the holocaust is necessary to write a book about it. One of the most highly praised movies of all time, Schindler's List, directed and produced by, if I recall correctly, Steven Spielburg. Spielburg didn't live through it, he was never in a situation similar to that of Oscar Schindler... And yet, he nevertheless connected with his story. I think a writer should be able to do that too.

Laurie PK- Taking Sides sounds interesting, I'll have to pick it up.

Toothpaste- Well, I'd definitely be doing my share of research here. But it wouldn't just be long dead philosophers (although those are always fun). I could switch it up a bit, possibly allowing for the debate of modern issues as well. So I'd have a debate with Sartre about whether or not existence really is absurd (gotta love Sartre) but I'd also have topics that will seem more applicable to peoples' lives as well.

I don't think I'm necessarily going to be more insightful than P.H.D's. But let's face it. How many people do you know who go out and pick up a philosophy book written by an Oxford Professor? Sure, he knows a lot. But a lot of these books (from my experience) are a bit, well, dry. I'm hoping to be able to turn it into something entertaining to read about.

And thanks for reminding me about women, I know there have been plenty of great female minds and I'll be sure not to overlook them!

THenry- That book sounds like a lot of fun! I'll definitely have to pick it up.

Icecreamempress- Gah, someone beat me to it by about a hundred years. Yeesh, that kind of hurts. Thanks for the link though, I'll definitely check it out!