THE DEBATE PROCESS
PROPOSITION
The proposition is simply what we are arguing about. It is a
strict statement that allows for only two sides to the debate.
 Prostitution is common in Ouarzazate.
 Prostitution is immoral.
 The government should legalize prostitution.
PROPOSITIONS OF FACT
 Argues about a fact, or objective/positive truth.
 Focused on the past.
 Example: The defendant killed the victim.
 (Lawyers, doctors and scientists argue about propositions of
fact, but we won’t do this very much.)
PROPOSITIONS OF VALUE
 Argues about an opinion, or subjective/normative truth.
 Therefore builds on facts.
 Focused on the present.
 Example: The way the defendant killed the victim qualifies as
murder.
 Two types of values:
 Aesthetics – Prostitution is disgusting.
 Ethics – Prostitution is immoral.
 Something with positive ethical value is a virtue.
 Something with negative ethical value is a vice.
PROPOSITIONS OF POLICY
 Argues about a decision.
 Therefore builds on facts and values.
 Focused on the future.
 Example: The defendant should be put to death.
 Propositions of policy are the realm of politics. (Policy and
politics have the same Greek root: polis, which means city.)
HIERARCHY OF COMPLEXIT Y
Proposition of Policy
Making a decision requires forming an opinion based on the facts.
Proposition of Value
Forming an opinion requires knowing the facts.
Proposition of Fact
OUR FORMAT
This is our format. There are a lot of other formats.
 2 groups of 3: one affirmative, one negative
 The winning side is the one that changes the most minds .
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Affirmative Case
Cross Examination
Negative Case
Cross Examination
Affirmative’s Rebuttal
Negative’s Rebuttal
 Timing TBD.
OTHER FORMATS
 Groups vs. pairs vs. individuals
 Debates vs. simulations
 Simulation example: We all pretend/represent to be members of the
Moroccan Parliament and debate a proposed law.
 Strict propositions vs. weak propositions vs. questions vs.
topics




Prostitution should be illegal.
We disapprove of prostitution.
What should we do about prostitution?
Prostitution
 Terminology varies.
3 BURDENS – REGARDLESS OF FORMAT
1. Burden of Proof – I’m right.
2. Burden of Rebuttal – He’s wrong.
3. Burden of Communication – Be clear.
PROOF
 Proof is whatever tends to create belief .
 Proving the validity of your side in the debate is just like
writing an essay!
Evidence⟶⟶⟶⟶⟶⟶⟶⟶⟶⟶⟶⟶⟶⟶⟶Thesis
Organized Reasoning
SYNONYMS
 Proposition = Resolution
 Assertion = Claim = Conclusion = Contention = Issue = Thesis
 Data = Evidence = Grounds = Premise
 Argument = Logic = Rationale = Reason = Warrant
EXAMPLE
Morocco should
reinstate the
death penalty.
Get the
books
from the
Copy
Center on
Tuesday.
HOMEWORK
Read
Chapters
2, 3, 5 in A
Rulebook
for
Argument.
Optional:
Read
Chapter 4
in both
books.