Debate

Inductive Reasoning

• When you start with a probable truth, and seek evidence to support it.

• Most scientific theories are inductive.

• Evidence is needed to make this argument.

Deductive Reasoning

• “Top-down logic”

• The truth is determined by eliminating all other possibilities.

• State two facts, and a conclusion.– All men are mortal; Mr. Vititow is a man, therefore

he is mortal.

Argument

• Claim

• Evidence

• an argument is an attempt to persuade someone of something, by giving reasons for accepting a particular conclusion

Defeating arguments

• Challenge the validity of an argument.

• Deductive arguments can be invalid, and a counter argument made by showing how the two premises (all men are mortal; Mr. Vititow is a man) can lead to a different conclusion.

• Premises are often based on assumptions. Ask yourself what assumptions your opponents argument is based. This is the style of attack used by Abraham Lincoln!

Defeat this argument!

• Slaves sing and whistle while they work.• People who are happy sing and whistle.• Slaves are happy.

Winning with Persuasion

• Know your audience!!

• Appeal to– Emotion– Logic– beliefs or ideals

Winning?

• Seek truth, not victory.

• Challenge yourself – argue the opposite of what you believe is true, and argue with conviction!

• Argument is not a personal attack. – Don’t use put-downs (or related things)– Don’t boast (or do related things)

Formality – Done in 30

• 5 minute Opening statements• 3 minute planning• 3 minute argument & 3 min counter argument• 2 minute planning• 2 minute argument & 2min counter argument• 1 minute planning• 1 minute closing argument each