FORMAL DEBATE UNIT Part One

Friend or Foe  “Debate is the art of pleasant disagreement,” states Jake Hoover, a former debate coach.  A paraphrase from the words of Plato: Enemies quarrel to destroy one another while friends debate among themselves for their better instruction.

 Debate is a formal type of argument designed to test the merits of a particular conclusion or solution  It avoids personality clashes  There is a difference between “arguing down” a friend and “arguing with” a friend  Formal debates are commonly used in educational settings  Debates do exist in the “real world”  Lawyers debate in courts  Legislators debate in the House & Senate  Political candidates debate on television  You debate with a friend or a teacher Debate Basics

 Issue or Topic: The subject of a debate.  Proposition: The focus of a debate.  It is in the form of a carefully worded statement that indicates the particular position being supported by the affirmative side.  See Handout #1 for more Debate Basics

PRACTICE WHAT YOU’VE LEARNED How are these propositions improperly phrased?  Resolved: That alimony payments should not be done away with in divorce decisions.  Resolved: That our community should spend more on public education and renovating downtown.  Resolved: That math not be required for high school graduation.  Resolved: That the United States Constitution should be amended.  Resolved: That those inconsiderate, sloppy citizens who thoughtlessly litter our streets be sentenced to one day’s service with the city sanitation department for each violation.

Three Types of Propositions 1. Proposition of Fact: A statement that something is true.  Resolved: That John Doe killed Joe Doe.  Resolved: That state employment practices are discriminatory.  POF requires you to demonstrate objectively that something exists, is true, or did happen.

2. Proposition of Value: Statements based on value judgments, beliefs, and opinions.  Resolved: That the United States’ Government is superior to any other.  Resolved: That a woman’s place is in the home. **The affirmative side would be required to first explain their criteria or definitions for what ‘superior’ and ‘woman’s place’ mean. Three Types of Propositions

3. Proposition of Policy: Statements which call for some particular action to be taken in the future. (You will debate this type of proposition)  Resolved: That smoking in outdoor public places should be illegal.  Resolved: That physical education class should be an optional elective instead of a mandatory requirement for graduation.

Propositions of Policy should be 1. About a current problem --Information on outdated topics aren’t very enlightening for debaters or audience 2. Topics should also be controversial. --If everyone agrees, there is no need for debate 3. Should be based on a complex issue --It’s ridiculous to debate an issue that hinges on easily obtainable facts. --Topics should require lots of research and time involved

Proposition of Fact, Value, or Policy? Choose the correct one for the following propositions: 1. Resolved: That many movies rated PG are worse than most rated R. 2. Resolved: That Congress should take action to outlaw the manufacture and sale of handguns. 3. Resolved: That smoking is a sin. 4. Resolved: That smoking is harmful to your health. 5. Resolved: That contributions of minorities have been ignored in most history texts. 6. Resolved: That nuclear power generation is as safe as conventional fossil fuel.

OTHER EXAMPLES OF DEBATES  LITERARY DEBATE  Can deal with Props of fact, value, or policy  One of fact might seek to establish real authorship of works such as Shakespeare being the real playwright of his plays  One of value might be a debate on the merits of reading Ray Bradbury over the merits of reading Kurt Vonnegut, Jr.  One of policy might focus on what kinds of literature should be emphasized in English class.  Think of a recent film that may have controversial content that may be beneficial to use in a debate  Think of a story or book that may be used in debate

OTHER EXAMPLES OF DEBATE  HISTORICAL DEBATE  Pick a topic of historical importance  One of value may deal with the pros and cons of decisions of Truman to drop atomic bombs on Hiroshima or the decision of the Soviet Union to exile author Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn  Think of historical events that might be interesting topics to debate

Deciding on a Topic ASK QUESTIONS SUCH AS  What school problems would make good debate topics?  What problems exist in your community that you would like to debate?  What problems are currently being debated in your state legislature? In the US Congress?  Evaluate each suggested topic in terms of The 3 C’s:  Is it Current?  Is it Controversial?  Is it Complex?

Groups  There will be 2 groups of 4 and 3 groups of 5 in 6 th.  There will be 4 groups of 4 and 1 group of 5 in 7 th.  5 member group will need to gather more information.  Today you will get into groups and brainstorm at least 5 possible ideas.  Phrase each idea as a proposition of policy. In your group, discuss which you think would make the most interesting debate and why.  You have until the end of the period to finalize your proposition. We will draw numbers and no repeats.  Group propositions have to be approved.  Groups will split into affirmative and negative sides after you decide on the proposition.