SPCH 71: Argumentation and Debate

Understanding your opponents reasons

is your salvation.
 CRITICAL THINKING
pre-requisite for truly successful debating
(Wood & Goodnight, 2006)

mode of thinking about any subject,

content, or problem in which the thinker
improves the quality of his or
her thinking by skillfully analyzing,
assessing, and reconstructing it
(criticalthinking.org)

is self-directed, self-disciplined, self-

monitored, and self-corrective thinking
 CRITICAL THINKING

Critical Thinking

ARGUMENTATION DEBATE
 ARGUMENTATION

derived from the Latin word

arguere (to chide)

to express disapproval; to scold

 DEBATE

comes from the Latin words

dis (expressing reversal)

battere (to fight)
 ARGUMENTATION
is reason giving in communicative situations by
people whose purpose is the justification of acts,
beliefs, attitudes, and values (Freeley & Steinberg, 2000)
is commonly conceived as the art of influencing
the beliefs or actions of other people (Bauzon,
2004:48)
the art of influencing others through medium of
reasoned discourse through written or spoken
discourse
An indirect effect is also stirring the feelings of
the readers or hearers
 DEBATE
the process of inquiry and advocacy; the seeking of a
reasoned judgment on a proposition; both a strategic
and thinking activity (Freeley & Steinberg, 2000)
is the art of formal and oral controversy (Aquino &
Deveza, 1962:93)
a formal direct oral contest in argumentation between
two or more persons (Bauzon, 2004:48)
an oral contest or controversy on one definite
question known as the proposition between opposing
speakers with one or more members on the
affirmative and negative sides
a formal controversy, not a mere verbal wrangling
 all debates are forms of
argumentation;

BUT

not all forms of argumentation are

debates.
ROLES OF ARGUMENTATION & DEBATE

It is FUNDAMENTAL
men are in constant state of flux in searching for
answers to fundamental questions affecting him,
between him and his universe and his fellowmen. It is
innate in mans nature to search for the truth.
It is UNIVERSAL
All men are, by nature gregarious.
It is INDISPENSABLE
as man and his society are constituted, life would be
meaningless if he does not communicate with his
fellows
 TYPES OF DEBATE
ACADEMIC DEBATE
debate conducted under the direction
of an educational institution for the
purpose of providing educational
opportunities for its students.
APPLIED DEBATE
debate presented before a judge or
audience with power to render binding
decision on the proposition
 VALUES OF ACADEMIC DEBATE
Provides preparation for
effective participation in a
democratic society
Offers preparation for
leadership
Provides for the investigation
and intensive analysis of
significant contemporary
problems
Offers training in
argumentation and critical
thinking/listening
Develops proficiency in writing
and in purposeful inquiry
Encourages mature
judgment and social
awareness
Promotes integration of
knowledge
Develops proficiency in
purposeful inquiry
Develops proficiency in
writing
Enhances speech
composition and delivery
Gives courage and essential
proficiencies
 DEBATE PRINCIPLES
The debater should respect the intellectual
integrity of argument.
Debate is based on the fair exchange of
opinion.
Debate should be conducted with respect for
others.
Debate should be the product of honest
research and valid evidence.
Debate should be treated as a learning
experience.