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PRINCIPLES OF DEBATE. Anna Tachouet Prof. Sue Lenski / CI 548 March 2009. What do we know?. Rhetoric . A method of disagreeing that uses language to persuade .
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PRINCIPLES OF DEBATE Anna Tachouet Prof. Sue Lenski / CI 548 March 2009
Rhetoric • A method of disagreeing that uses language to persuade. • First appeared in Homer’s Illiad. Heroes like Achilles and Odysseus were honored for their oratory abilities. In Ancient Greece, rhetoric dictated decision making in public and political life revolved around the use of rhetoric.
What is argumentation? • According to Dr. James Crosswhite, author of The Rhetoric of Reason, rhetorical tradition defines argumentation as: a dialogue a response to changing situations an exchange of persuading, listening, and understanding.
Types of debate share common features • Discourse between two groups that have opposing sets of beliefs: • proposition side - advocates the adoption of the resolution • opposition side - refutes the resolution • Helps to find a pathway for personal change, to take a critical perspective on your life. • Has a resolution.
Q: What are alternatives to debate? A: We could… • Avoid each other all together • Physically fight • Make claims • Other ideas?
Take a minute to come up with some TOPICS of debate… make a list of five: • ___________________________________ • ___________________________________ • ___________________________________ • ___________________________________ • ___________________________________
What’s the resolution? • A statement of policyor value. Usually represents a change from current policy, so that the opposition team will be defending the status quo.
Let’s look at some examples. What do they have in common? • "Be it resolved the right to a fair trial ought to take precedence over freedom of speech.“ • "Be it resolved, that men should wear boxers rather than briefs.” • "Be it resolved, that all high schools in Oregon should adopt a four-day week."
Now, write some RESOLUTIONS to your topics. • ___________________________________ • ___________________________________ • ___________________________________ • ___________________________________ • ___________________________________ Begin with "Be it resolved…”and include a work like shouldor ought.
Strong debates have: 1. Quality evidence: • Supporting quote(s) • Data from an authority, qualified in field and timely • Anticipate opponent’s thoughts 2. Quality presentation: • Fluent (no “um’s” or “ah’s”) • Coherent speech, active voice • Engaging, but not over dramatic 3. Quality constructives 4. Quality rebuttals
Constructives Rebuttals Speeches that occur at the end of a debate A place to review key points, but not a place to introduce new arguments Typically 4, they are not followed by cross-examination • Speeches that occur at the beginning of a debate • Formulate new arguments • Typically 4, the first is used to present the plan
Lincoln – Douglas Debate • Modeled after an Illinois election of the mid-1800s, Abraham Lincoln and Stephen Douglas debated the issue of slavery before audiences in towns around the state. • Topics center around moral issues or propositions of value or preference: capital punishment, abortion or euthanasia.
Policy Debate • Includes two teams, one representing the affirmative position and one representing the negative position: proposition and opposition sides • Topics of public or government policy.
http://www.csufresno.edu/comm/cagle-p3.htm#Topicshttp://www.pbs.org/newshour/debatingourdestiny/debate_styles.htmlhttp://www.pbs.org/newshour/debatingourdestiny/teacher_guide.htmlhttp://www.triviumpursuit.com/speech_debate/what_is_debate.htmhttp://www.wisc.edu/wisconsinpress/books/0371.htmhttp://www.csufresno.edu/comm/cagle-p3.htm#Topicshttp://www.pbs.org/newshour/debatingourdestiny/debate_styles.htmlhttp://www.pbs.org/newshour/debatingourdestiny/teacher_guide.htmlhttp://www.triviumpursuit.com/speech_debate/what_is_debate.htmhttp://www.wisc.edu/wisconsinpress/books/0371.htm References