1. Debate Basics: The Logical Argument

3. Argument An argument is a set of claims presented in a logical form. An argument attempts to persuade an audience to adopt a certain position on a specific topic.

4. Argument examples?

5. Argument An argument gives several claims, also known as premises or contentions, that support a position. An argument ends with a conclusion, also called a main-claim.

6. Create a sample argument… 1) ______________________. 2) ______________________. 3) _______________________. _______________________________________ 4) Therefore, ______________________.

7. Resolution In debate, the main claim being debated is known as the resolution. The resolution must always be a statement (i.e. It must assert something and cannot be a question). The resolution must challenge the status quo.

8. Resolution Continued The “Pro” side, aka affirmative, argues in support of the resolution. If Pro proves the resolution true, they win. The “Con” side, aka negative, argues against the resolution. If Con proves the resolution untrue, they win.

9. Claims A claim is a statement that asserts something to be true. Each claim is a statement within the argument that the arguer needs accepted. These statements are given to logically lead the audience to the debater’s conclusion. Think of claims as the structural framework of your argument.

10. Claims …but claims don’t stand alone in bringing the audience to the conclusion. Each claim needs to be accepted as both relevant and true to create an effective argument – to prove the conclusion true.

11. A true claim is one which is proven accurate through evidence and reasoning. A relevant claim is one which leads logically to the conclusion, relating directly to it.

12. Evidence Most claims need support in order to be accepted as true. This support comes in the form of evidence. Evidence is information that accompanies each claim to make it accepted as true.

13. Claims Only occasionally do claims do not need evidence to be accepted as true. These claims are called prima facie, or, (true) at first sight. Examples…

14. Claims An argument with a conclusion that follows logically from its claims is a valid argument. An argument with a claim that is not relevant (even just one) is deemed an invalid argument, and loses its effectiveness.

15. Claims An argument built of all claims that are accepted as relevant and true is a sound argument. An argument with a claim that is not accepted as true is deemed an unsound argument and it no longer proves the conclusion true.

16. Meaning… Valid: The conclusion follows logically from its claims. Sound: All claims are true and arrive logically at the conclusion.

17. Questions?