A debate is when 2 or more people argue about a set topic. Each person will pick a "side" to a debate, usually "for", "against" or "neither", but depending on the topic others may be included.
The participants will present their argument as to why they they think their side is the correct one, using premises, and a conclusion.
What makes a good Debate?
An in-depth understanding of the topic and not just the main points is absolutely essential for a good debate. A good debate has good arguments from each side.
A good argument consists of all true premises, and a true conclusion. However, the argument has to be valid, and sound. In layman's term, it needs to relate to the topic at hand, and should be descriptive enough to leave as many holes as possible filled.
What makes a good Debater?
A good debater needs to prove not only why his or her position is the right one, but why the opponent’s position is the wrong one. To do this they must be able to "fight" for either side, without thinking about which side they actually agree to. This is frequently called an "anti-thesis". You can attack the argument of someone on the same side as you.
A good debater does not question another debater for his choice of side, but rather his argument. After all the debater could be making an anti-thesis.
In most debates, the participants do not choose the side they defend, however, since this is a forum, and participants will come and leave as they please, we will be doing no such thing.
ie.
Discuss.
This is not a proper way to begin a thread. As a debate starter, you should present the topic with an in-depth analysis. I'm not asking you to write an essay, but at least make it a paragraph to dictate your side and you're defense for it.
Sources are not required
But they do help make a more sound argument.
Use the Alert Button!
As a debate forum, there could potentially be hundreds of posts of undying length. As a university student and sole moderator of this section I won't be able to read an encyclopedia every day. Please report anything you come across that you may find offensive/against the rules.
Nothing bad will happen if it's a false alarm!
Quoting someone is not a quality post.
Simply quoting is not allowed, quotes should be used to enhance your argument, not be your argument.
Speak to me if you wish to make a religion/faith based topic.
These are typically problem threads and you must contact me with what you plan on covering in the thread, and show me you're starting argument to it.
Make sure you're topic is capable of supporting discussion.
This should be a given.
ie. If it's a "choose your side" topic, it will be locked. To fix this you can simply change the way you ask the question.
ie, in the quote above, simply put "why" and it would be much better.
If you have any questions or concerns about this list, feel free to contact me about it.
I'm just trying to maintain order, not become supreme dictator of a forum.
So feel free to rip my arguments to shreds with a counter-argument.
These rules are subject to change; I'll make sure to notify you in the thread title.