Lincoln-Douglas Debate

Resolutions: The resolution is a statement with which one contestant must agree (affirm) and the other contestant must disagree (negate). Resolutions are designed to be “debatable,” in that they can’t be proved or disproved absolutely…you just need to be better at supporting your case. Ex. : “Resolved: The United States ought to implement universal health care.”

Characteristics: One-on-one debate with five total speeches and two cross examination periods. Affirmative speaker gives three speeches First Aff speech is called a constructive speech Aff speaker gives two rebuttal speeches to answer negative arguments and extend her own arguments...but no new arguments are allowed after the first speech.

Characteristics (Con't) Negative debater gives two speeches: a constructive and a single rebuttal. Total speaking time for each of the debaters is equal. Speakers must be prepared to debate either side of the resolution.

Format: Affirmative constructive: 6 minutes Cross Ex by the Negative debater: 3 minutes Negative constructive: 7 minutes Cross Ex by the Aff debater: 3 minutes First Aff Rebuttal: 4 minutes Neg rebuttal: 6 minutes Second Aff rebuttal: 3 minutes Each team gets 4 minutes prep time.

Hallmarks of L-D debate: Parallel burdens value structure argumentation cross examination effective delivery

Parallel burdens: There is no presumption that the resolution is true unless shown to be otherwise; each side must show that her interpretation is more desirable in general. Neither side must absolutely prove the resolution true or false, just that the side she is arguing is more valid. Both debaters must provide proof (burden of proof), must answer the other side's arguments (burden of clash), and must actually address the resolution as it was written, not some other topic (burden of the resolution.)

Argumentation: The case must go well beyond the mere citation of authoritative sources to include: -Illustrative examples of the concepts being cited -Original analysis by the debater -Application of philosophers' ideas (i.e. utilitarianism, relativism, etc.) -Analogies -Statistics

Cross Examination Cross Ex is used to "clarify, challenge, and/or advance arguments in the round (via questioning). Be sure to keep the focus on your own arguments when you are controlling the cross ex. Force the opponent to participate in analogies that illustrate your arguments in ways that seem concrete (see p187). Use this time also to challenge your opponent to present evidence for claims you think were unsupported. If they cannot do so, make sure this is clear to the judge, making eye contact with the judge, who will not be flowing at this point.

Effective Communication: Speech should be understandable by lay judges (any intelligent adult.) Speed-talking or "spreading," common to Policy debate, is not acceptable for all judges. Clarity of speech, eye contact, eloquence, and above all, a clear and logical argument structure, are all necessary. Debaters should be confident, but always respectful of opponents and judges.

Aff constructive speech: This is a prepared 6 minute speech advocating the resolution. State the resolution. Identify a value central to the resolution. Offer a value criterion (standard) for measuring or achieving this central value. Define key terms, citing the authority who defined it. Show why the resolution meets this standard. (Contentions) Subsequent speechs and cross-ex allow you to extend your arguments, but not to make new ones.

Neg Constructive Give the negative case, using part of your 7 minutes. You should state the resolution (and that you negate it), and like the Aff debater, define key terms, identify a central value and value criterion, and show why the resolution fails to meet this standard. Use the remaining minutes to offer answers to the Aff case.

Flow sheets This is typical a sheet with columns that organize the arguments made in a debate. Use one sheet for the Aff debater and one for the Neg. Record arguments and the responses made to those arguments for later reference in your subsequent rebuttal speeches and cross ex.

Common Central Values in LD Debate: Freedom, Safety Justice, Individualism Community, Knowledge Beauty, Democracy Sanctity of Life Quality of life Privacy Self-actualization

Value Criterion Utilitarianism (pragmatism) -Greatest good for the greatest number Deontology -Goodness is based on intrinsic worth of an action, not on its outcome in a given situation. Cost Benefit Analysis Determines decisions based on a ledger sheet of advantages and disadvantages.

Initial Case Creation: See chapters 13 and 14 for overview of Aff and Negative Casing. See Real-life example starting on p 261.