Forbidden activities during debate
During a debate, there are certain rules and practices that should be followed to maintain a respectful and productive environment. While the specific rules may vary depending on the debate format or organization, some general things that are typically forbidden include:
1. **Ad hominem attacks**: Attacking the person rather than their argument is considered disrespectful and unproductive. Focus on the ideas being presented, not the individual presenting them.
2. **Strawman fallacy**: Misrepresenting your opponent's position or argument in order to more easily refute it is a dishonest tactic. Address their actual points, not a distorted version of them.
3. **Red herring**: Introducing irrelevant information in an attempt to distract from the actual topic is not allowed. Stick to the subject at hand.
4. **Circular reasoning**: Basing your argument on the assumption that your conclusion is true is not valid. Present evidence and logical reasoning to support your claims.
5. **Interrupting**: Constantly interrupting your opponent is disrespectful and disruptive. Allow them to finish their points before responding.
6. **Speaking out of turn**: Wait for your allotted time to speak and respect the structure of the debate.
7. **Plagiarism**: Using someone else's work or ideas without proper attribution is unethical and not allowed.
8. **Falsifying evidence**: Presenting false or manipulated evidence is dishonest and unacceptable.
9. **Appeal to emotion**: Relying on emotional manipulation rather than reasoned argument is not a valid debating tactic.
10. **Appeal to authority**: Claiming that your argument is valid simply because an authority figure supports it is not sufficient. Provide evidence and reasoning to back up your claims.
Remember, the goal of a debate is to engage in a thoughtful and respectful exchange of ideas, not to win at all costs. By avoiding these forbidden practices, you can contribute to a productive and meaningful discussion.
