hashkafah philosophy - Empirical evidence of Sages' intellectual superiority

Throughout ages, our Sages engaged in Halachic, scientific and philosophical arguments between themselves and with other nations' philosophers.

We hold that the truthfulness of Talmudic discussions relies on our Sages' exceptional intellectual superiority. However, I don't see how that can be seen from the text of the Talmud itself.

What sources support this assertion?