What?

Topic. What are we debating?:

 

Summary of my position.  State your current belief concerning this topic/issue in two or three carefully worded, accurate sentences.

 

Feelings about this position. How strongly would you describe your current feelings concerning this topic:

 

I feel strongly about my position                      I care, but not strongly                       I could go either way                             I could care less
 

Why?

 

Describe why this topic is important. If the topic is important to you, describe why you care about it; why does it matter to you?  If it's not a topic you care about, why, in your opinion, do others on either side of the issue feel passionately about it?  To answer this question, first list three or four Reasons you or others think this topic is important, matters, worth arguing over, legislating, taking to the Supreme Court etc. 

R1

 

R2

 

R3

 

 

Now list three or so Reasons you or others think one side is right or wrong. What logic and evidence informs your or their positions in terms of truth or validity?

R1

 

R2

 

R3

 

Now list the opposing Reasons; what informs the "other side's" argument. Again, differentiate between feelings and logos/validity:

Feelings:

R1

 

R2

 

R3

 

Logos:

R1

 

R2

 

R3

How?

Now describe the information, reasons, reasoning, lines of argument etc. you think would possibly change your mind on this topic. What do you need to know in order to move from your current position, or, if you are apathetic, to take a position on either side?  If you can't think of anything that would change your mind, why should anyone bother talking to you?

 

 

Now consider what means would be necessary for you to persuade someone who sees this topic differently than you do. Do not assume that others see the world the way you do, or that they are simply evil and stupid, while you know all things; instead, think seriously about why they feel and think their position is important, ethical and valid.