Definitions
Higher Powers
Outside the Box
Logic
Random Items
100

What is rhetoric?

The art and science of public speaking

100

What was McCain criticized for during the 2008-2009 presidential election debates?

He appeared angry.

100

In what way can the Karate Kid movie relate to debate?

You must learn the basics of a new skill before the more complicated things

100

What is the most common type of logic?

Inductive logic

100

Why is using academic language not a good idea in a debate?

It will bore and frustrate the audience

200

What is the word for a collection of jokes, sayings, and stories that helps debaters add personality, humor, and beauty to their speeches?

Copia

200

What was so historic about the 1960 debate between Kennedy and Nixon?

It was the first presidential debate ever televised.

200

What Greek philosopher was open minded, but still didn’t immediately believe everything he was told?

Socrates

200

Why can inductive arguments never be 100% accurate?

They are based on generalizations

200

What is the true purpose of debates and discussions?

The pursuit of truth and understanding

300

What is corroboration?

A way to confirm or support information with multiple sources

300

What made people think that Nixon wasn't suited to being president?

He appeared sick and weak during the debate.

300

What did Buddhist monks stare at to help them learn to focus?

An orange

300

In order for a deductive argument to be valid, what must it have?

  1. It must be structured properly 

  1. All the premises must be proven true 

  1. All the terms must be clear and unambiguous 

300

Name 3 characteristics of effective thinkers.

  • Critical

  • Logical

  • Careful and accurate

  • Civil without selling out

  • Listen carefully and ask questions

400

What is a source/person called when they have experience, knowledge, or credentials relevant to the issue at hand?

Authoritative

400

The Kennedy vs Nixon debate revealed what?

Tailoring speeches and ideas to the audience is important (looks matter)

400

What does critical thinking mean?

Systematic evaluation of beliefs

400

What inductive logic should a person use if they want to argue that talking or texting on the phone while driving should be made illegal?

They should find research that shows talking/texting on the phone while driving leads to more crashes and/or people who don't talk/text while driving are less likely to crash.

400

Why is asking questions the most effective way to win a debate?

It makes your opponent expose the faults in their own argument

500

What is an a priori statement?

A truth that everyone automatically accepts is true

500

Why is debate called a Janus-faced discipline?

You must be able to look inward and outward like the Roman god of doors.

500

What are the 4 basic components of the Toulmin argument model?

Claim, Evidence, Warrant, Reservations

500

Give an example of a deductive logic argument.

  • A democracy is an entity that thrives only through an informed citizenry
  • America is a democracy
  • Therefore, America is an entity that thrives only through an informed citizenry
500

How do effective thinkers use logic?

They determine if arguments are effective and create their own reasoning

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