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An Invitation to Debate

Reasoning and Argument as a Framework for Civil Society

Ben Voth (Southern Methodist University, USA)

$49.99

Paperback

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English
Rowman & Littlefield Publishers
13 November 2025
This comprehensive introductory textbook gives students the framework and tools to become great debaters and use those skills to further civil and respectful responses on contentious topics. Focusing on core concepts and skills of research, reasoning, and argumentation with a special focus on debate rhythms, the book builds students’ ability to express ideas and respectfully dissent, ultimately improving their individual resilience in adverse circumstances and encouraging the emergence of communal values in society.

An Invitation to Debate takes students on a step-by-step preparation of case research, speech composition, rebuttals, and resolutions. It is not specific to a particular debate style, allowing professors to use the book across a variety of procedural types, including policy, British Parliamentary, Lincoln-Douglas, International Public Debate Association, world schools, and Coolidge.

As the most up-to-date debate textbook, An Invitation to Debate will show students how to use AI technologies to aid (but never replace) their own case preparation. Throughout the book, students will be challenged to consider opportunities for debate to create more civil and fruitful discussion in their daily lives and on the world stage—where respectful debate can break through political barriers and counteract social injustices.
By:  
Imprint:   Rowman & Littlefield Publishers
Country of Publication:   United States
Dimensions:   Height: 226mm,  Width: 152mm,  Spine: 20mm
Weight:   485g
ISBN:   9781538196717
ISBN 10:   1538196719
Pages:   304
Publication Date:  
Audience:   College/higher education ,  Primary
Format:   Paperback
Publisher's Status:   Active
Introduction Chapter 1. Understanding Reasoning and Logic as the Foundations of Debate Chapter 2. Giving a Speech Chapter 3. Components of Debate Chapter 4. Doing Research for Debate Chapter 5. How to Write a Case Chapter 6. How to Refute Chapter 7: Understanding Debate Theory Chapter 8. Debate Formats Chapter 9. Conclusion Appendix: Debate Class Syllabus Bibliography Index

Ben Voth is professor of rhetoric and director of debate and speech programs at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas. He has written five academic books since 2014 detailing how rhetoric, argumentation, and debate instruction make the critical difference in improving human society. His instructional speech and debate clients include the U.S. State department, the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington D.C., and the George W. Bush Institute. As a collegiate speech and debate director he has coached more than five world champions, more than thirty national champions, and more than fifty state champions in speech and debate competitions over the past thirty years.

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