Reports possible improvements in debate ballots beyond the American Forensic Association "Form C." (CH)

To eliminate the rapid pace, heavy reliance on evidence cards, and professional jargon associated with the debate style of the National Debate Topic (NDT), the Cross Examination Debate Association (CEDA) proposed the use of a value topic--instead of a policy topic--to restore balance among argument, analysis, and evidence in debate. Initial…

Noting that the format imposed upon a debate can affect the presentation of information provided to audiences and that presidential campaign debates have become a significant event in the election process, this paper contends that it is important to analyze various formats and to consider carefully formats that are developed for future encounters…

This paper discusses five theoretical concepts in general and two theoretical models in particular that are involved in forensics. The five concepts are: (1) causation, an inquiry into the reasons for ongoing processes or problems; (2) inherency, the division of a universe into its necessary features and its accidental features; (3) presumption, a…

Argues that substantive rules of debate, instituted by the National Debate Tournament Committee, are both ineffective and counterproductive. Critiques the rule restricting evidence reading after a debate and the rule requiring judges to compare definitions when evaluating topicality arguments. Concludes that substantive rules should be rescinded…

Sketches a brief history of the 1858 debates and analyzes their argumentative patterns. Speculates about the transformation of controversial questions through public debate. (PD)

Reaffirms the primacy of the policy-making paradigm in academic debate. (PD)

Contends that the split between NDT and CEDA threatens the educational function of debate because it limits the forms of debate open to students. Points out the value of both forms and suggests that rapprochement between the two organizations might be facilitated by joint topic selection. (PD)

Replies that advocating a rapprochement between NDT and CEDA overstates the difficulties that separation has created. Points out the benefits generated by competition between these forensic organizations. (PD)

This paper surveys forensics research broadly over the last 26 years and argues for research that more comprehensively accounts for forensics in its full range of activity. Forensics research has historically tended to focus on one area of competition. The paper argues for more research that conceptualizes the activity across these practices and…

This paper discusses the potential for advocacy in collegiate extemporaneous speaking. It argues that given the inherently civic nature of the event, extemporaneous speaking ought to address higher causes that transcend competitive restraints. Unfortunately, the potential of the event is generally hindered by stylistic trends and other competitive…

Public Speech has been lacking in Germany because neither the political nor the intellectual atmosphere has been favorable to free, full, and open discussion. (Author)

The Thesis of the paper is that there is need to distinguish between debating as a means of training for public policy decision making and debatingas a means of training students in the cognitive processes necessary for effective decision making. The author views debating as fundamental training in interpersonal communication. (Author/MS)

Examines a recent innovation in academic debate, the studies counterplan. Considers objections to its use, epistemological assumptions of the studies counterplan, and the appropriate use of scientific evidence in decision making. (PD)