Debate Categories
Lincoln Douglas (or LD):
- "Lincoln Douglas Debate centers on a proposition of value, which concerns itself with what ought to be instead of what is. A value is an ideal held by individuals, societies, governments, etc. One debater upholds each side of the resolution from a value perspective.... Debaters may offer generalized, practical examples or solutions to illustrate how the general principle could guide decisions. Topics change every two months." --From www.nflonline.org
- LD is a type of debate that requires one person per side (the affirmative, who upholds the resolution, and the negative, who negates it). This debate is based on values.
- Example of a resolution- Resolved: States ought not possess nuclear weapons.
January/February 2012 LD Topic
Resolved: It is morally permissible for victims to use deadly force as a deliberate response to repeated domestic violence.
March/April 2012 LD Topic
Resolved: Targeted killing is a morally permissible foreign policy tool.
Public Forum (or PF):
- "Public Forum Debate is audience friendly debate. Two pairs (teams) debate monthly controversial topics ripped from newspaper headlines. Rounds begin with a coin toss between the competing teams to determine side and order (Pro-Con or Con-Pro). Public Forum tests skills in argumentation, cross-examination, and refutation."--From www.nflonline.org
- PF is partner debate (two per side). One team, "Pro," agrees with the resolution, while the other, "Con," disagrees with it. Topics change once a month.
- Example of a resolution- Resolved: North Korea poses a more serious threat to United States national security than Iran.
March 2012 Public Forum Topic
Resolved: The United States should suspend all assistance to Pakistan.
February 2012 Public Forum Topic
Resolved: Birthright citizenship should be abolished in the United States.
For more questions ask your Debate Captain, Michelle McCarthy.