From: Kenneth Broda-Bahm
To: The Karl Popper Debate Program Listserv
Subject: Some Questions
O.K., as the old failing comedian says, "I know you are out there, I can hear you breathing." I checked to see who is subscribed to this listserv (send command "who debate-l" to listserv@main2.osi.hu) and it seems there are many Debate-L subscribers. Yet still, we are a silent auditorium. So I thought I would post some questions that I would like reactions to -- as many as possible. If you have thoughts on these issues, send your reply to the listserv. QUESTION ONE: WHAT DO PEOPLE THINK ABOUT THE POSSIBILITY OF USING MORE POLICY RESOLUTIONS?
These resolutions would focus on an issue of national or international governmental policy (e.g., housing, health care, the environment, employment, criminal justice, etcetera). Affirmatives would identify a problem, propose a solution, and demonstrate the benefits of that solution. Negatives would debate about the extent of the problem and attack the proposed solution. Thoughts?
QUESTION TWO: WHAT DO PEOPLE THINK ABOUT EMPLOYING LONGER-TERM RESOLUTIONS? For example, at the Celokovice camp this summer, we used two resolutions (some people even pressed for three). The question is, could we promote greater depth of argument and better use of evidence by encouraging more complete preparation on a single question? Thoughts? QUESTION THREE: WHAT DO PEOPLE THINK ABOUT POSSIBLE CHANGES TO THE FORMAT WHICH WOULD INCLUDE SEVERAL SPEECHES BY THE SAME PERSON? The first speaker, for example, could give a second speech at the end. Alternately, the use of a two-person format would permit both speakers to present two speeches each. As a way of reinforcing the idea of clash and sustained argument, multiple speeches might be a good idea. Thoughts? These are all my thoughts for now. Post your reactions to the list. Thank you for reading, Ken Broda-BahmKarl Popper Debate Program
Towson State University, USA
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