Lincoln-Douglas Debate

Description: Lincoln-Douglas Debate typically appeals to individuals who enjoy  debate but prefer a one-on-one format more than a team or group setting. Lincoln-Douglas debaters like exploring questions of how society ought to be rather than its current state. Many people refer to Lincoln-Douglas Debate as a “values” debate, as questions of morality and justice are commonly undertaken in resolutions. Lincoln-Douglas debate is designed to focus on a proposition of value. A proposition of value is concerned with what ought to be instead of what is. A value is an ideal held by individuals, societies, governments, etc.

Debaters are encouraged to develop arguments based on a values perspective. No plan or counterplan should be offered by debaters; instead, the debate should focus on reasoning to support a general principle. Debaters may present generalized, practical examples or solutions to illustrate how the general principle could guide decisions. Competitors prepare cases and engage in an exchange of cross-examinations and rebuttals in an attempt to convince a judge that they are more persuasive in their argumentation in the round.