What is Lincoln Douglas debate?
Lincoln-Douglas debate is one-on-one debate and is primarily focused on competing values. Every two months, a resolution is decided upon by coaches across the nation and it is debated at most tournaments within that two month period. Resolutions generally take the form in which two values are pitted against each other. A great example is the recent resolution – “Resolved: A just social order ought to place the principle of equality above that of liberty.” In this resolution, the value of liberty and equality are at odds, and the goal of the debate should be to determine which value is of greater importance in a just social order. Other resolutions may not be as clear or blatantly straightforward in establishing what values are in conflict. Examples include: “Resolved: Secondary education in the United States ought to be a privilege and not a right” or “Resolved: When they are in conflict, a business’ responsibility to itself ought to be valued above its responsibility to society.” Afte
