R ules and Expectations of conduct for rational

debate

Learning Intention: To understand the 12 principles and apply them to the real world.

Success Criteria: For you to be able to consider these principles in reference to a selected text. Your Task:

How much are these principles followed in our world?Where do you believe these principles need to be applied?

Principle 1: FallibilityAccept you may be wrong, come with an open mind, accept that your opponent may also be wrong, or that either of you may not hold the most defensible position.Accepting fallibility means thinking scientifically, consider the history of science as the constant updating via disproving previous held views or understandings.

Principle 2: Truth SeekingBe a lifelong learner who aims to shift their position on ideas frequently. Consider all avenues and positions, do not ignore alternative positions.

Principle 3: ClarityAvoid confusing, vague or ambiguous language or structure. Do not try to disguise your opinion or arguments. Do not fall back on references to semantic differences or linguistics.

Principle 4: The Burden of ProofThe person putting forward the argument has the responsibility to attempt to prove their position with evidence, wherever possible.

Principle 5: Principle of CharityDo not mishandle or reduce the argument of your opponent, do your level best to understand and re-express their argument clearly where possible. If your opponent misspeaks or makes and error be charitable and allow them a reformulation.

Principle 6: Structural clarityArguments should be clearly structured and well-formed, without contradictions and clear, consistent conclusions. Your argument should use valid deductive inferences.

Principle 7: RelevanceInclude only content relevant to your own or your opponents positions. Avoid extraneous topics or needless attacks.

Principle 8: AcceptabilityEvidence and reasons used should be acceptable to a mature, rational person. This also means that care is taken for evidence to be sources and cross-checked with the greatest care.

Principle 9: SufficiencyEndeavour should be taken to provide a sufficient number and weight of evidence and reasons.

Principle 10: RebuttalA participant should rebut and respond to all anticipated serious criticisms of their argument.

Principle 11 - Concluding the Debate: Suspension of Judgement

If no one clearly wins the argument or debate, judgement should be avoided if possible.

Principle 12 - Concluding the Debate: ResolutionIf all of the above 10 principles are met then the debate should be declared either for or against and the debate brought to a conclusion.