Introduction to Argumentation and Debate

Introduction to Argumentation and Debate

Welcome to Introduction to Argumentation and Debate topic! This is our first topic in this course for you my dear future debaters. You are aiming to make a name for yourself in the future isn’t it? Be it in the government or in the private sector, you must be properly equipped and armed to the teeth in order to succeed. This course aims to prepare you for that. As a heads-up, this topic will introduce you to the basic tenets of argumentation and debate. You will define key terms, note pertinent concepts in order apply these in actual debating later on. So what are you waiting for? Let’s jump in!

“With words, we govern man.” ~ Benjamin Disraeli

Intended Learning Outcomes

At the completion of this topic, the student should be able to:

1. explain what is argumentation and what is debate;
2. distinguish argumentation from that of debate; and
3. appreciate argumentation and debate as an academic endeavor.

What is Argumentation?

The term argumentation is derived from the Latin word “arguere” which translates into English as “to chide.” Argumentation is generally defined as the “art of influencing others, through the medium of reasoned discourse, to believe or act as we wish them to believe or act.”

Hence, argumentation is the process of influencing the belief of behavior of a listener or reader, through spoken or written speech, by supplying him with reasons and stirring his feelings. It is a process of giving people “doxa” a Greek word which stands for “reasoned opinion.”  The reasoned opinion is not absolute in character. It is subject to corrigibility, fallibility, rectifiability, testability, and rational criticism.

What is debate?

The term debate is derived from the French word “debat”  which means “a quarrel, dispute, disagreement,” but this was in early 14th century and since then, it has taken a lot of meaning changes into “discuss, deliberate upon the pros and cons of” something or some idea.

Debate is generally defined as a “formal direct oral contest in argumentation between two or more persons on a definite proposition at a definite time.”

Debate vs Verbal wrangling

 

• Debate is a formal discourse while verbal wrangling has no formalities at all.
• Debate comes in an artistic argumentation while in verbal wrangling, there is no trace of art.
• In debate, there is orderly exchange of opinions while in verbal wrangling, it is just a mere exchange of words, mere verbal tussle.

Argumentation vs Debate

• In argumentation, participants may not necessarily face each other.
• Argumentation  may include both oral and written form of exchange.
• Argumentation may or may not require set of rules.
• In debate, each side of the dispute must see each other face-to-face.
• A debate is a strictly oral contest, although parties may refer to their notes, but deliver their arguments in oral spoken manner.
• A debate requires a definite format/rules which will be strictly observed and followed by the debaters.

“All debates are forms of arguments, but not all forms of arguments are debates.”

Two approaches in Argumentation and Debate

In order to win in an argumentation and debate, one must always remember that argumentation and debate is a serious enterprise involving the extensive use of logical and critical thinking skills. One must research and prepare a set of well-thought of arguments and counter-arguments for possible opponent’s counter-arguments. Above all, one must always bear in mind the two approaches in argumentation and debate: conviction and persuasion.

“Redere auditores attentos, benevolos, y dociles.”

Conviction

• Appeal to reason.
• The phase whereby the arguer directs his words to the reasoning faculty of man.
• To create belief and intellectual agreement.

Persuasion

• Appeal to emotion
• The phase whereby the disputant directs his words to the heart, the sentiments and emotions.
• To stir and influence the audience

Both approaches are critical and equally important to perform excellently in an argumentation and debate. One may proceed after the other, but must not subsume the other. They should go hand in hand and not to be separated.

It is because, if one concentrates on conviction alone:

• What are you saying may just be merely a state of mind;
• Not sufficient to promote human progress;
• Contentions may be true but lacks depth and believability;
• May not stir the audience to believe in his course of belief.

However, if one concentrates on persuasion alone:

• Your arguments may just be pure behavioral impulse;
• May result to a “blind following” scheme;
• Instinct may not always be accurate;
• Emotional appeal is fleeting and unreliable

Role of argumentation and debate to your academic and professional life

1. Argumentation and debate are fundamental skills you need. Men are in constant state of flux in searching for fundamental questions affecting his existence. It is innate in man’s nature to search for the truth.
2. Argumentation and debate are universal. “All men are, by nature, gregarious” (Aristotle) and “To be is to be related.” (Berkeley). Because of relations, one creates beliefs and attitudes. These beliefs and attitudes that create action, urging them to move, act and do. Attitude and beliefs are created, influenced and swayed through argumentation and debate, hence, argumentation and debate is of extreme importance to men.
3. Argumentation and debate are your indispensable tools to succeed. Argumentation and debate is both an art and science which aspires for mutual understanding and beneficial relationships. Argumentation and debate enables man to rise above all the other forms of animals because it develops his highest faculty; the intellect and the emotion. It makes a person well-rounded, armed with conviction and persuasive power.