6 Reasons to Prefer a Definition that Really Work

Remember, it’s not enough to say that your definition is good. You have to say it’s better than your opponent’s.

Strategy, TheoryJoseph AbellApril 20, 2020definitions, debate, nsda, ncfca, stoaComment

6 Ways to Win with Topicality in the 2020s (Part 2)

Let’s continue our discussion about how to run topicality for audiences that don’t want to hear it.

Theory, StrategyJoseph AbellMarch 9, 2020ncfca, ld, tp, stoa, parli, topicality, nsda, speechComment

Resolutional Objections Made Easy

This year’s NCFCA resolution is extremely vulnerable to them.

TheoryJoseph AbellJanuary 8, 2020theory, strategy, debate, stoa, ncfca, preventive war, is ethical, resolution, value, lincoln douglas, res, objection, ace, peakComment

The Biggest Problem Facing NSDA LD Right Now

Later this week, we’re releasing a case for NSDA LDers.

TheoryJoseph AbellNovember 11, 2019nsda, topic, resolution, ld, theory, fossil fuels, subsidy, subsidies, policyComment

Reader Question: Topicality and Funding

We’re diving into some policy theory on this one. Grab your snorkel!

Policy, TheoryJoseph AbellMarch 4, 2019stoa, tp, theory, debate, policy, team, team policy, topicality, extra topicality Comments

The "When In Conflict" Conflict

“This argument is a staple in some regions of the NCFCA and is gaining popularity in the current Stoa LD metagame. Here’s what I think of it.”

TheoryJoseph AbellOctober 29, 2018when in conflict, stoa, ld, theory, debate, resolution, truth-seeking, privacy Comments

The Other 3 Biggest Burden of Proof Myths (and How to Defeat Them)

Last time, we discussed three ways that the term “burden of proof” has been tortured beyond recognition. Today, we tackle the other three.

The Five Most Common LD Myths (Part 2)

Here’s the remaining two big myths I see constantly in value debate. For the first three, click here.

TheoryJoseph AbellOctober 3, 2018ld, value, debate, theory, myths, framework, contention, value link, resolved, resolution, strategy, Case Writing, LD case Comment

The Five Most Common LD Myths (Part 1)

We’re breaking down the most common myths in LD value debate. Here’s part 1.

TheoryJoseph AbellOctober 1, 2018LD, Value, Myths, Theory, Criterion, value, debate, value link, framework, Case Writing, LD case Comments

Explaining Stock Issues

“Inherency is usually run about once a season on a team that is either incredibly unlucky or incredibly ill-prepared.”

Theory, Policy, ComprehensionDrew MagnessSeptember 12, 2018Stock Issues, Policy, Team Policy, Theor, Topicality, Inherency, Significance, Solvency, Com, ClarityComment

Behold, the Value Link

Last time we unpacked what values are, and then how to create them. Now we talk about how to run them...

Case Writing, Value, Theory, LogicJoseph AbellApril 4, 2018Value, Link, Value Link, Debate, Theory, Parli, Stoa, NCFCA, NSDA, Preemptive Warfare, Resolution, Case Writing

Three Ways to Test a Value

A good value meets three standards...

Logic, Value, TheoryJoseph AbellMarch 8, 2018Value, Case Writing, Theory, Justice, Morality, Definition, Weighing Mechanism

Value Theory: Creating Order from Chaos

There's one word that sums up the stigma of high-school value debate...

Value, TheoryJoseph AbellMarch 4, 2018Value, Theory, Lincoln Douglas, NCFCA, Stoa, Debate

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