Framework (FW) Cheat Sheet

Often abbreviated to "FW" in flow

What is a Framework?

A framework defines how a judge should evaluate the round. It establishes:
  1. Standards: the criteria for evaluating arguments and the angle of the debate
  2. Prioritization: the order of importance of arguments and impacts
  3. Scope: the bounds of the debate (e.g., morality, practicality, legality, etc.)

Questions to ask when developing a framework:

  • What is the primary goal of the debate?
  • Should the debate focus on morality, practicality, legality, or another metric?
  • How will this framework guide the judge in evaluating the round?
  • Is this framework accessible to the judge, or does it require specialized knowledge?
  • KEEP IN MIND: What is favorable to my side but still appears fair to the other side?

Presenting a framework:

Introduced at the beginning of a constructive, after intro and before points
  1. Clearly define your framework: explain what it means and why it matters
  2. Justify the framework: Use philosophy, common sense, or debate norms
  3. Apply the framework: throughout all of your impacts, connect to how it weighs under the framework

Clash of Frameworks:

If both sides present frameworks:
  • Show why your framework is superior (e.g., more inclusive, universal, better logic, etc.)
  • OR
  • How your arguments win under both frameworks

Common Frameworks:

Utilitarianism:

The greatest good for the greatest number

Tips:

  • Quantify impacts and outweigh using weighing mechanisms, usually magnitude and scope
  • Note: Utilitarianism is the default if no framework is given in a round.

Deontology:

Moral duties, often regardless of outcomes

Tips:

  • Defend the universality of the principle
  • Argue why moral obligations outweigh practical consequences, or manifest in practical benefits

Social-Contract:

Societal obligations and agreements (e.g., democracy, constitutional rights)

Tips:

  • Link obligations of governments to their constituents
  • Emphasize fairness and societal trust
  • Link nations to their international obligations (ex. The US as a superpower)