KnightWhoSaysNi
August 19, 2003, 12:33 PM
To add some variety to formal debates, I'm offering some suggestions for debate formats that some of you may like instead of the traditional way it's been done. This is by no means a complete list and we could use some help from the regular users here for debate format ideas. When we have a good sufficient list, it will be added to the Rules and Procedures (http://www.iidb.org/vbb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=56978) stickie.
Here's some ideas we have so far:
- Standard format
Each round consists of two statements. One affirming and the other responding. The final round may be in the form of a summary or concluding statement (not introducing new material).
- Double affirmation
Similar to the standard format, but each debater takes turns affirming a position with the other debater rebutting. For example, two participants agree to debate the age of the earth for 7 rounds. For the first three rounds, the creationist goes first, attempting to present positive evidence for a young earth, while the evolutionist responds in the negative, attempting to rebut the YEC's arguments. For the next three rounds, the evolutionist takes the positive position, presenting arguments for an old earth with the YEC attempting to rebut his/her claims each round. The seventh round will consist of the concluding statements from each debater.
- Three Way Discussion
Peter Kirby suggested this idea earlier. Each rounds consists of all three proponents arguing for their position and comparing and contrasting their viewpoints with the others (i.e. 3 statements per round). For example, 3 different theistic proponents argue their positions on YEC, OEC, and theistic evolution.
- Interrogative debate/discussion
This is similar to the 'Double Affirmation' debate, but instead of taking a 'claim vs. rebuttal' style, the person going first asks questions, in point form, and the person responding must attempt to answer them all. The debaters do this for a number of rounds and switch as questioner and answerer for an equal number of rounds. A concluding round allows the debaters to sum up their views.
- Concurrent debate
A nod to Silent Dave here. :)
A concurrent debate is just like a standard debate, except that the statements for each round are due in and are revealed to the public at the same time. For example, say the debate takes the following schedule:
Round 1: Sept. 30
Round 2: Oct. 31
Round 3: Nov. 30
Round 4: Dec. 31
Both debaters would have to post their opening statements at any time on or before Sept. 30. The mods would validate and publically reveal those statements at the same time, on Sept. 30, or whenever both statements are received, whichever comes last.
- Role Reversal debate
A nod to Celsus and Hugo Holbling here. :) This debate is somewhat unique in that debaters actually argue for the positions they oppose for a time. For a number of rounds (similar to the standard format), the debaters attempt to defend their positions and offer rebuttals to the very positions they agree with. On the second last round, the debaters switch back to their respective positions (with the debater who went second in the previous rounds going first) and attempt to criticize their own approaches and how his/her opponent approached the issue. The last round will consist of the final statements.
Anyways, these are some ideas for debate formats we have on the go. Perhaps you can suggest some! :)
Jason
Here's some ideas we have so far:
- Standard format
Each round consists of two statements. One affirming and the other responding. The final round may be in the form of a summary or concluding statement (not introducing new material).
- Double affirmation
Similar to the standard format, but each debater takes turns affirming a position with the other debater rebutting. For example, two participants agree to debate the age of the earth for 7 rounds. For the first three rounds, the creationist goes first, attempting to present positive evidence for a young earth, while the evolutionist responds in the negative, attempting to rebut the YEC's arguments. For the next three rounds, the evolutionist takes the positive position, presenting arguments for an old earth with the YEC attempting to rebut his/her claims each round. The seventh round will consist of the concluding statements from each debater.
- Three Way Discussion
Peter Kirby suggested this idea earlier. Each rounds consists of all three proponents arguing for their position and comparing and contrasting their viewpoints with the others (i.e. 3 statements per round). For example, 3 different theistic proponents argue their positions on YEC, OEC, and theistic evolution.
- Interrogative debate/discussion
This is similar to the 'Double Affirmation' debate, but instead of taking a 'claim vs. rebuttal' style, the person going first asks questions, in point form, and the person responding must attempt to answer them all. The debaters do this for a number of rounds and switch as questioner and answerer for an equal number of rounds. A concluding round allows the debaters to sum up their views.
- Concurrent debate
A nod to Silent Dave here. :)
A concurrent debate is just like a standard debate, except that the statements for each round are due in and are revealed to the public at the same time. For example, say the debate takes the following schedule:
Round 1: Sept. 30
Round 2: Oct. 31
Round 3: Nov. 30
Round 4: Dec. 31
Both debaters would have to post their opening statements at any time on or before Sept. 30. The mods would validate and publically reveal those statements at the same time, on Sept. 30, or whenever both statements are received, whichever comes last.
- Role Reversal debate
A nod to Celsus and Hugo Holbling here. :) This debate is somewhat unique in that debaters actually argue for the positions they oppose for a time. For a number of rounds (similar to the standard format), the debaters attempt to defend their positions and offer rebuttals to the very positions they agree with. On the second last round, the debaters switch back to their respective positions (with the debater who went second in the previous rounds going first) and attempt to criticize their own approaches and how his/her opponent approached the issue. The last round will consist of the final statements.
Anyways, these are some ideas for debate formats we have on the go. Perhaps you can suggest some! :)
Jason