1. Constructive Arguing Kevin Minch International Debate Education Association

2. Argument: A Context for Debate

3. Definitions of Argument Conflict or disagreement A type of contested communication characterized by claims and supported by evidence and reasoning

4. ARGUMENT Inter- personal Legal Political Debate

5. Why Do We Argue? To discover “the truth.” To convince others to believe in or disbelieve something. To improve your ability to think. To energize and motivate thought.

6. Why Do We Debate? To grow intellectually. To improve speaking and language skills. To test our arguments rigorously. The excitement of winning.

7. How do we think about the other side in the debate? What names do we use to describe them? –Our “opponents” or “the opposition” –The “other side” What words do we use to describe prevailing over the other team in a debate? –“Defeating” them –“Beating” them –“Winning”

8. A Harmonious Model Constructive Argument

9. More seasoned debaters who use their exceptional skills in social arenas and in their post-university careers recognize effective debating as “Constructive Argument.” Operative metaphor: construction; something that is built rather than something that destroys or is destroyed

10. So How Should We Talk About Argument? What are some positive words we can use to describe the process of arguing or debating? What are some positive words we can use to describe the debaters who take the opposite side in a debate or argument?

11. Constructive Arguing Defined A constructive arguer considers important both the persons and the ideas involved in debate. A constructive arguer seeks to generate the best ideas possible using the argumentative process. A constructive arguer seeks to maintain shared dignity for all persons involved.

12. Requirements for Constructive Argument Respect for opponents—but not for ideas Equal status of participants Informed participants Possibility of persuasion

13. How Do You Define Success in Your Debates?