Constructing Arguments Against a Resolution

1. International Debate Education Association and Willamette University Constructing Arguments Against a Resolution 2010 BFSU Tournament Robert Trapp, Willamette University Yang Ge, Dalian Nationalities University

2. Constructive Arguments • Constructing Arguments is one part of an overall opposition strategy. • The other part, refutation, is subject for later • Opposition constructive arguments, sometimes called an opposition case, should deal with the Proposition’s model, not just with the resolution in general. • An excellent opposition case will include • A statement of the Opposition’s stance • Constructive arguments that simultaneously support the Opposition’s stance and oppose the Proposition’s model

3. Developing a Stance for the Opposition • Defend an alternative value system • Explicitly defend the actions of the present system • Defend the actions of the present system in principle and offer minor repairs • Offer a counterproposal

4. Constructing Arguments Against the Proposition Team’s Model Some Common Kinds of Arguments • No need for change in the status quo • The proposed plan will not succeed • Disadvantages of the Proposition’s plan • Alternative moral or ethical principles • Show that a counter proposal is better

5. Constructing Opposition ArgumentsNo Need for Change • Show that the problems described by the Proposition team are not occurring or are not significant • Show that the problems do not exist • Show that the problems are not significant quantitatively or qualitatively • Show that the present system is able to solve the problems • The gaps are being closed • The barriers are being overcome

7. Constructing Opposition ArgumentsThe Plan Will Not Succeed This argument is designed to show that the plan will not solve the problems or gain the advantages. • Show how the problems described by the Proposition team are not caused by the status quo. • Show how the plan is not sufficient to solve the problem or to produce the advantage or to solve the problem.

9. Constructing Opposition ArgumentsDisadvantages of the Plan Disadvantages are particularly important because the overcome potential weaknesses in the other opposition arguments. • Describe some feature of the Proposition Team’s plan • Relate that feature to some effect • Show how the effect is worse than the problem the Proposition Teams claim to solve

11. Constructing Opposition ArgumentsAlternative Moral & Ethical Principles • Present this kind of argument when the proposition uses a principles case or when you want to suggest a principle that argues against the Proposition’s proposed action • Show that the Proposition’s principle is inappropriate • Designate an alternative moral or ethical principle • Identify an alternative principle • Create an argument in favor of the alternative • Show that the alternative is preferable • Apply the alternative principle to the Proposition’s proposed action.

13. Constructing Opposition ArgumentsPresent a Counterproposal • Present an alternative course of action. • Show why your counterproposal is a true alternative – Why should your alternative preclude the Proposition Team’s plan of action. • Show why the counterproposal is a better proposal than the Proposition team’s proposal. • Does the counterproposal solve the problem outlined by the Proposition Team? • Does the counterproposal avoid some of the disadvantages of the Proposition Team’s plan?