The Great Debaters Flashcard

Front

Who is your opponent in the context of debate?

Back

In the context of debate, the opponent can be seen as a conceptual entity that challenges your arguments; in some cases, it may be stated that 'He doesn’t exist' to emphasize the idea of debating against ideas rather than individuals.

Front

What is a syllogism?

Back

A syllogism is a form of reasoning in which a conclusion is drawn from two given or assumed propositions (premises). For example, 'All men are mortal; Socrates is a man; therefore, Socrates is mortal.'

Front

What is ethical appeal in debate?

Back

Ethical appeal, or ethos, refers to the credibility and character of the speaker. It is established through respect, knowledge, and skill, which can earn the audience's trust.

Front

What is a rebuttal in a debate?

Back

A rebuttal is the part of a debate where a speaker points out the errors or weaknesses in the opponent’s argument.

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What does affirmative mean in a debate?

Back

Affirmative refers to taking a position in support of the resolution being debated.

Front

What is the significance of thorough research in debates?

Back

Thorough research demonstrates knowledge and skill, which can significantly enhance a team's ethical appeal and credibility in the eyes of the audience.

Front

What is the role of tone in a debate?

Back

The tone used during a debate can influence the audience's perception of the debaters' respectfulness and professionalism, impacting their ethical appeal.

Front

What is the difference between a valid and an invalid syllogism?

Back

A valid syllogism has a logical structure that leads to a true conclusion if the premises are true, while an invalid syllogism contains errors in logic that lead to a false conclusion.

Front

What is the purpose of a debate?

Back

The purpose of a debate is to present and argue opposing viewpoints on a specific resolution, allowing for critical thinking and analysis of different perspectives.

Front

What is the importance of understanding your opponent's arguments?

Back

Understanding your opponent's arguments allows you to effectively counter them and strengthen your own position during a debate.