Theory Casey Parsons

What is theory? You might have noticed that there’s not really a policy rule book Theory is a question of what the rules of debate should be It’s structured exactly like a T shell: Interpretation – what you think the rule should be Violation – why they violate the rule Standards – internal links Voters – impacts

What theory do I read? Counterplan theory is by far the most common This can include: Conditionality Bad PICs bad Multiple CPs bad Agent CPs bad Etc

How do I go for theory? Ideally you don’t Theory is the most last ditch effort in debate If you think theory is your best option for the round, either the other team actually did something really bad or you can’t possibly win on anything else If you’re going for theory, you’re fighting a really uphill battle. Most judges really don’t want to vote on theory I made a helpful flow chart on the next slide

Yes – they did not put ink on the page Can you possibly win any other argument? Did the other team actually do something that should be against the rules? Did the other team completely drop your theory argument? Fine, go for theory For the love of God… do NOT go for theory Yes – they did not put ink on the page No Yes – They deserve to lose No No – we’re pretty screwed Yes