BIO 590 MENU
syllabus 
topics 
debate 

Biology 590 - Graduate Seminar: Genetics and Ethics

Debate Format

Delivery and Content

Data, statistics, and intuitions are important; but they are not arguments. In the context of debate, make an effort to utilize the philosophical principles introduced in the course as you construct your argument/case.

Warning: if you quote the words/work of others during a debate, you still have to cite your source(s), just as in essays/papers. Do not merely download or copy something you think sounds good and read it aloud as your contribution. You are the one debating; so make sure you are the author of your contribution.

Note on delivering your contribution:

You must:

  1. think through what you plan to say beforehand (trial runs are a good idea)
  2. be on time
  3. speak naturally, loud enough, and make eye contact
  4. be polite, even if you feel strongly: for instance,
  5. (a) do not speak out of turn
  6. (b) if you disagree with someone, never attack her/him, attack what s/he said/argued, etc.

These will be considered in the debate grade

Debate Structure

Construction

  1. "Pro" team gives a 4-to-5 minute presentation of its position. The emphasis here is not so much on criticism of the other side as on explanation of the position it takes and why (the principles and arguments to which it appeals). Group members' opening remarks combined must not exceed this time limit.
  2. "Con" team gives the same sort of presentation of its own position

Criticism & Rebuttal

  1. "Pro" team presents challenges to the view defended by the "con" team, for 5+ minutes. Once these are presented, the "con" team has a roughly equal amount of time to rebut the challenges
  2. "Con" team presents challenges to the view defended by the "pro" team, again, for 5+ minutes. Once these are presented, the "pro" team has a roughly equal amount of time to rebut the challenges
  3. The floor is opened to the rest of the class to present questions for either panel, or both. This might last up to about 20 minutes.

Summary

  1. Not later than 8 minutes before the end of class, each team (again, starting with the "pro" side), gives a "state of the debate" address, summarizing what it thinks about whether it has answered challenges put to it, whether the challenges it put to the other team have been answered, and what issues would have to be resolved in order for the debate to be settled

Note

  1. Each team should probably settle ahead of time which member(s) will do which job(s). For instance, one might handle the construction, one might be the member who (primarily) issues challenges to the other team, and one might close with the summary. (Of course, everyone should get involved during question and answer.)
  2. In any case, team members should be sensitive to the fact that there are other members in the group, each of whom should have a chance to speak/present/respond.