LINCOLN DOUGLAS DEBATE

Table of Contents  What is it  LD Debate Structure  Terms to Know  Constructive Arguments  Affirmative  Negative  Cross Examinations  Rebuttals  Flowing

What is Lincoln Douglas Debating?  Named for the 1858 debate between Abraham Lincoln and Stephen A. Douglas (focused on slavery)  Morals  Values  Logic  Current focus of LD debate (one on one debating)  Still morals, values, and logic  Reasons for the WHY behind our actions than the actions themselves Understanding what action is done, and why people or governments chose to take such actions, will help you better understand the decision making process of those in positions of power.

LD Structure  Affirmative Constructive (AC)6 minutes  Cross-Examination (NEG questions AFF)3 minutes  Negative Constructive (NC)7 minutes  Cross-Examination (AFF questions NEG)3 minutes  1st Affirmative Rebuttal (AR1) 4 minutes  1st Negative Rebuttal (NR)6 minutes  2nd Affirmative Rebuttal (AR2)3 minutes  Total Prep Time during debate4 min/EACH side

Terms to Know  Resolution – topic of debate  “Capital punishment is unjust.”  Affirmative – in favor of topic  Negative – opposes topic

 Constructive – building of the speech; SCRIPTED  Value – what is most important in the debate (what will be achieved/protected) (ex.: Equality)  Criterion – how to achieve value (sometimes based in philosophy) (ex.: Equal application of all laws and consequences)  Contention – major arguments (ex.: 1) low socio-economic cannot afford top lawyers and legal teams, 2) defendant more likely to get death penalty if victim is white.)  Rebuttal – why the other side’s contentions are wrong/your contentions are right; PARTIALLY SCRIPTED  Flow – keeping track of the debate; points, contention, and questions

Constructive Arguments Outline and handouts.docx

Cross-Examination (NEG questions AFF)  3 minutes to ask the affirmative debater questions.  Both debaters should stand up in front of the room next to each other.  BOTH FACE THE JUDGE and not look at each other during the CX. 

Reasons for CX  To ask clarification questions about  arguments that the student missed  arguments the student didn’t understand  the exact meaning of definitions presented  the strategic effects of arguments in the case

 To attack the opponent’s case position  To question the veracity of claims made  To question the logical links between the arguments  To establish a presence within the round  to set up the negative case s/he is about to read

Tips for CX  Have a plan!  Favor shorter questions that all build on each other  Can ask for clarification  Pick an argument and just ask variations on “why?”  Be careful not to ask totally open ended questions.

Replying to CX  Know the case backwards and forwards.  Answer questions directly without rambling.  Yes or no isn’t always yes or not.  Questions may not be a simply yes or no question. Explain why your answer needs to be more nuanced than “yes or no.”  On the flip side, if you are asked a simple “yes or no” question that can be answered, answer it.  Finally, remember, be calm and composed.

Negative Constructive  Tends to not have definitions since many are the same definitions so it would be a waste of time to reiterate.  Will have a value and a way to achieve the value  Structured similar to the affirmative case (same # of contentions)  If time allows, rebuttal should be started 

Cross-Examination (AFF questions NEG)  See negative CX section 

Rebuttals  Explain how you will set up rebuttal (A/N or N/A)  Designed to attack opponent’s value and contentions  Explain what is wrong with them  Prove they are not valid  Allows for further development of your own contentions and link to importance of your value  If a contention is not address (A or N), then it is assumed that point is conceded  NO NEW INFORMATION

Rebuttal Tactic – comparing contentions  Give counter evidence or examples to the other side’s contention(s)  Point out missteps in their logic  This doesn’t just mean noting that the original argument is making assumptions, but pointing out what those assumptions are and saying why they are wrong.  Point out flaws in evidence  Point out why their side of the resolution is not any better with regards to this issue, meaning they have no unique advantage  Raise objection as to why their logic won’t work in the real world

 Even if the claim they are making is true, you can say the argument is not important due to  the probability that the claim would happen being small  the scope or magnitude of the argument being small, meaning that the problem they cite would not affect that many people or the benefit they are claiming would not help that many people

Rebuttals tactic – defending contentions  Citing a logical fallacy  “Is/ought” fallacy Assuming that because something happens in a certain way that it ought to always happen in that way. Second Amendment argument  Begging the question This is another way of saying the argument is circular meaning that the argument assumes premises that assume the conclusion of the argument. (to 1 min) (1 min to 2 min)  The false dilemma Two options are given and forces a choice between only these two options Ignores other potential options

 Affirmative Rebuttal 1   Negative Rebuttal   Affirmative Rebuttal 2 

Flowing

Basketball  What is the end goal of a game?  To win  How do you achieve that end goal?  Score the most points  Evaluate – What type of players are going to help score the most points? (short or tall)  Choose short or tall players and reason how that type will score the most points

You Must:  Build both affirmative and negative arguments (construct and rebuttals)  Write a script for constructive and (some of the) rebuttals – KNOW WHAT YOU WILL SAY!  Determine who will speak/help where – everyone in the group MUST have an active role  Individual grades  Group mate grades

Helpful Hints to Divide Your Team  Affirmative Construct is the most straightforward  Rebuttals must understand how to counter and think on feet  Cross examinations build cases – use individuals wisely  You may designate “floaters” who help in all areas BUT you cannot have more than 1 or 2  EVERYONE MUST RESEARCH

REMEMBER!  What is it  Started with Abe Lincoln and Stephen Douglas  LD Debate Structure  Timed debate  Minimum debate time 32 minutes  Terms to Know

 Constructive Arguments  Affirmative – define, set value, create contentions in favor of resolution  Negative - define, set value, create contentions against resolution  Cross Examinations  Question round Plan Find loopholes Review opponents’ contentions

 Rebuttals  Further support for your side’s contentions  Refute opposition’s contentions  Flowing – keep track of debate  Debate is a civilized discussion that presents organized thoughts and facts to defend a side. It is not a place for emotion or unsupported opinions.

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