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The debate process

The debate process. Proposition . The proposition is simply what we are arguing about. It is a strict statement that allows for only two sides to the debate. Prostitution is common in Ouarzazate. Prostitution is immoral. The government should legalize prostitution. Propositions of fact.

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The debate process

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  1. The debate process

  2. Proposition The proposition is simply what we are arguing about. It is a strict statement that allows for only two sides to the debate. • Prostitution is common in Ouarzazate. • Prostitution is immoral. • The government should legalize prostitution.

  3. Propositions of fact • Argues about a fact, or objective/positive truth. • Focused on the past. • Example: The defendant killed the victim. • (Lawyers, doctors and scientists argue about propositions of fact, but we won’t do this very much.)

  4. Propositions of Value • Argues about an opinion, or subjective/normative truth. • Therefore builds on facts. • Focused on the present. • Example: The way the defendant killed the victim qualifies as murder. • Two types of values: • Aesthetics– Prostitution is disgusting. • Ethics– Prostitution is immoral. • Something with positive ethical value is a virtue. • Something with negative ethical value is a vice.

  5. Propositions of policy • Argues about a decision. • Therefore builds on facts and values. • Focused on the future. • Example: The defendant should be put to death. • Propositions of policy are the realm of politics. (Policy and politics have the same Greek root: polis, which means city.)

  6. Hierarchy of complexity Proposition of Policy Making a decision requires forming an opinion based on the facts. Proposition of Value Forming an opinion requires knowing the facts. Proposition of Fact

  7. Our Format This is our format. There are a lot of other formats. • 2 groups of 3: one affirmative, one negative • The winning side is the one that changes the most minds. • Affirmative Case • Cross Examination • Negative Case • Cross Examination • Affirmative’s Rebuttal • Negative’s Rebuttal • Timing TBD.

  8. Other formats • Groups vs. pairs vs. individuals • Debates vs. simulations • Simulation example: We all pretend/representto be members of the Moroccan Parliament and debate a proposed law. • Strict propositions vs. weak propositions vs. questions vs. topics • Prostitution should be illegal. • We disapprove of prostitution. • What should we do about prostitution? • Prostitution • Terminology varies.

  9. 3 burdens – regardless of format • Burden of Proof – I’m right. • Burden of Rebuttal – He’s wrong. • Burden of Communication – Be clear.

  10. Proof • Proof is whatever tends to create belief. • Proving the validity of your side in the debate is just like writing an essay! Evidence⟶⟶⟶⟶⟶⟶⟶⟶⟶⟶⟶⟶⟶⟶⟶Thesis Organized Reasoning

  11. Synonyms • Proposition = Resolution • Assertion = Claim = Conclusion = Contention = Issue = Thesis • Data = Evidence = Grounds = Premise • Argument = Logic = Rationale = Reason = Warrant

  12. Example Morocco should reinstate the death penalty.

  13. Homework Get the books from the Copy Center on Tuesday. Read Chapters 2, 3, 5 in A Rulebook for Argument. Optional: Read Chapter 4 in both books.

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