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PHIL 1100 Inquiry, Argument, and Debate

Pro Con Encyclopedia

Argumentative Presentation

You will deliver an argumentative presentation which means you take a position or view on a topic and offer an argument for that position.

Possible Topics

  • A political position (e.g., arguing for or against a particular policy like Universal Basic Income).
  • Critically evaluating pieces of media (e.g., arguing that The Office is better than Parks and Recreation).
  • A debate within a particular subculture (e.g., arguing that the College Football Playoff Committee should have put Florida State in the 2023 playoffs instead of Alabama).
  • Trying to objectively justify one of your opinions (e.g., dogs are better than cats).

Developing a Topic

Once you have a few possible topics, answer the following questions for each of them:

  • What do I already know about this topic?
  • What would I like to know more about this topic?
  • What would I like to argue about this topic? (What position will you take?)

Developing a Position

  • Be specific. What is your position and why.
  • A level of complexity that would lead to a full presentation.
  • It is open enough to interpretation that rational people could agree or disagree with you.