Debates and Closed Systems
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In summary, an effective debate must occur in a closed system. "effective debate" means a debate which results in global, net positive determinations. A closed system means that all actors effecting the outcome of the debate are actually involved in the debate.
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Global Net Positive Determination
To illustrate the idea of "global net positive determinations", we divide debates into two types. The first type is concerned with determining the "truth" of something. The second type is concerned with generating policy. The latter is often a part of the former, meaning that "good policy" is usually predicated on "correct understanding". Additionally, debates are often used to analyze the effectiveness of policy, so these "types" or not completely unrelated.
In the case of debates of truth, a positive determination means that the result of the debate sheds light on the question. The use of "net" is meant to convey the idea that the determination need not be "the truth", i.e., it may be incomplete, or even incorrect in some respects. However, it leads to more understanding than confusion and increases understanding relative to the general level of understanding that existed prior to the determination.
In the case of a policy debate, a net positive result means that the policy decided by the debate when properly implemented[notes 1] results in at least partial achievement of the stated goals while largely avoiding contraindicated results. In other words, it does more good than harm.
The use of "global" refers to the universe of discourse considered by the debate. The universe need not be, and generally is not, universal in any absolute sense, but refers to those involved in and effected by the debate. In practice, it may be necessary and useful to consider primary, secondary, tertiary, etc. effects and parties.[notes 2]
Closed System Debates
Personally, I think it's a good rule of thumb to make debates as open as possible in terms of who is allowed to participate in the debate. The idea of a "closed system debate" has nothing to do with exclusion, but is essentially the idea that the debate should be decided on the merits of the case and not effected by outside influence. The debate is sheltered from external influence, and hence closed.
This can best be illustrated by a negative example. A jury which has been corrupted by threats would be an example of the violation of this principal. Threatened members of the jury will tend to decide the case on questions of their own personal safety, which have nothing to do with the case itself.
Historical Context and Systemic Political Corruption
ancient democracy and the plebes
Modern Political Corruption
create the issues
Notes
- ↑ Proper implementation is often a complex question unto itself.
- ↑ I.e., U.S. citizens would be the primary universe of discourse of domestic tax policy, while other actors such as foreign governments and citizens would be in the lesser universe of discourse as those indirectly effected by US economic events.
