LDU Training

1. LDU Training One: Analysis

2. Analysis • It is the backbone of every solid argument made ever • Analysis is just a process of separation, it’s simple • No claim is true without analysis, it’s just another assertion • Anyone can do it, few people do • A lack of analysis can have the following side effects : -forgetting that immigrants aren’t to blame for literally ever problem ever -believing that it’s a good idea to vote for Mitt Romney -thinking that Muslims are trying to cancel Christmas -verbal diarrhea -chronic death

3. Here’s how to do it Take your claim, that’s where all arguments start CLAIM Think of an argument that supports (or disproves) your claim ARGUMENT

4. Here’s how to do it Analysis is the montage scene in which your claim and your argument suddenly make everything ok Analysis is showing how and why your argument leads to your claim, it’s what determines whether or not your argument lands CLAIM ARGUMENT

5. 2 Questions • Why is it true? Constantly ask yourself, ‘why?’. Why is what you’re saying true, use evidence and logical thinking to show the progressions of your argument • Why is it relevant? If it’s true, why should we care in light of the claim? Why does what you’re saying prove the claim to be true or false. You only have to answer two questions

6. The Process

9. Like a bemused irritating little child, keep asking why. Claim: Prisoners Should Have the vote…. Why? Argument: Prisoners have issues that affect them too and should be considered Like what? Prison overcrowding and abuse by wardens are key issues that are understood almost solely by prisoners, and hence are not heard. SO WHAT? Democracies should accommodate all people with a stake in that society.

10. One argument is rarely enough to prove the claim • You’ll need a weight of arguments • You’ll have to compare those arguments to competing counter arguments

11. Disprove opposing arguments • Prove they’re not true -use evidence and logic to prove their argument to be false -tell us why your version of events is true OR • Prove they’re not relevant -explain why your arguments are more important to the claim -or why yours outweigh the counter-arguments, even if they’re true -or go negative, why are their arguments not important or insignificant?

12. For Example In the face of the counter argument “Drugs should be banned because they’re addictive and stop people being able to make positive life choices” Respond by saying “That argument ignores the fact that if you’re not alive you can’t make any life choices, if they’re argument is over life choices, the argument falls to our side of the claim. Legalising drugs saves lives and gives people a chance to turn their lives around before they are cut short ”

13. Remember It’s impossible to make an argument that can’t be countered So it’s important that you remember to explain every part of your argument, so it can withstand any attacks Constantly ask and explain why, and your opponent will have to work much harder to win Explain well enough and your arguments will prove or disprove the claim, and you’ll win at debating, and life.

14. LDU Training One: Analysis