Analysis
Analysis is the process of linking premises (supporting ideas or facts) together to reach a conclusion. It is the logical reasoning that forms arguments or rebuttals.
Key Questions When Developing Analysis
  • Based on truth: how?
    • Deepen analysis and link concepts together for better logical flow.
    • Ask: Is there a missing link? Is there a missing premise?
  • Based on causation: why?
    • Give multiple reasons why something may be true, harmful, or beneficial.
    • Approaches:
      • Types of harms
      • Terms (short-term vs. long-term)
      • Stakeholder impacts
Approaches to Developing & Presenting Analysis
1. Stakeholder Analysis
Break down how different groups are affected. Examples: Individuals (students, parents), Collectives (religious groups, businesses), Institutions (courts, governments).
2. Terms
Show how implementation of the motion or an alternative leads to short-term or long-term change.
3. Scope
Analyze an idea at different levels to show greater impact: individual → community → country → global.
4. Counterfactual
Compare what happens with the motion vs. without it. Helps clarify the added value (or harm) of the motion, either broadly or from a stakeholder perspective.
5. Thesis Argumentation
Start with a clear conclusion (thesis), then build multiple layers of analysis:
  • Explain why each premise is true
  • Show how each premise leads to the conclusion
Example: THW legalize prostitution
  • Thesis: Legalized prostitution is safer and easier for the government to regulate.
  • Layer: Underground prostitution leads to rights violations → Government has duty to protect sex workers → Legalization ensures safety.
6. Arrowhead Analysis
First layer: Show that X is generally true. Second layer: Show X is specifically true in the motion’s context.
7. Reverse Perspectives
Consider neglected or marginalized perspectives to reframe the debate.
Example: THBT governments should not fund religious groups for social services.
  • Typical argument: Religion causes harm (indoctrination, denial of services).
  • Reverse perspective: Protecting religious groups’ autonomy — funding could compromise independence and silence advocacy roles.
8. Counter-intuitive Arguments
Arguments that seem false at first but are logical once explained.
Example: Making abortion legal and accessible will not increase the number of abortions.
  • Acknowledge strangeness → walk through evidence → tie back to case.
  • Legality improves contraception and sex ed → fewer unwanted pregnancies → abortion rates decrease.
  • Focus shifts to safety and accessibility of women’s healthcare.
Using First Principles
If unfamiliar with a topic, start with first principles — foundational ideas applicable across debates:
  1. Logic: Spot flawed reasoning without needing specific facts.
  2. Philosophy: Apply recurring concepts (autonomy, justice, role of the state).
Example: Role of Government
Small Government (Liberalism):
  • Prioritizes individual freedom and informed choice
  • State intervenes only to prevent harm to others
  • Ex: People can smoke despite risks, as it’s their informed choice.
Big Government (Communitarianism/Socialism):
  • State actively shapes decisions for the collective good
  • Duty to prevent harmful choices
  • Ex: Restrict gambling to reduce social harm.