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Pragmatism

Meaning: It's about focusing on practical results and usefulness. It believes that ideas, theories or actions are valuable if they can bring practical benefits and help solve real problems.

Example: If a new teaching method helps students learn better and get better grades, then according to pragmatism, this method is considered good and effective, regardless of whether it follows traditional teaching theories or not.

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The concept of American exceptionalism posits that the United States of America and its people hold a unique position in the world,offering opportunity and hope for humanity.It is governed by constitutional ideals that focus on personal and economic freedom,resulting in a unique balance of public and private interests.

The United States has several characteristics that are considered unique in political science,such as its tradition of anti-autocracy and anti-dictatorship,individualism,the lack of prominence of socialist parties,geographical separation from other regions of the world,and the strong influence of religion,especially Christianity.These features distinguish it from Western and Scandinavian countries with similar levels of development,communist countries,and Marxist-influenced countries in Latin America.

Some critics argue that American exceptionalism is merely a form of ethnocentrism.Others interpret it as a manifestation of American moral superiority or a belief in the superiority of American ideals,which may not always be upheld by the government or the people.Opponents claim that American exceptionalism is essentially a form of chauvinism and jingoism,providing justification for an American-centered worldview.Historians and political scientists use this term to discuss certain aspects of American characteristics,rather than an innate superiority of Americans.Supporters of American exceptionalism argue that the uniqueness of the United States lies in its shaping by a series of republican ideals,rather than a shared heritage or the foundation by ruling elites.In his Gettysburg Address,President Abraham Lincoln stated that the United States was“conceived in liberty and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal”.According to this view,Americans are obliged to cherish and defend freedom and equality.As a result,the United States has actively promoted these ideals abroad,especially during the two World Wars and the Cold War.Critics,however,argue that many of the U.S.policies during these conflicts were driven by economic and military self-interest.Most observers acknowledge that both idealism and self-interest coexist,with varying degrees of emphasis.In fact,although the United States is the first,it is not the only republic shaped by noble ideals;Brazil and the French Republic can serve as examples.

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Deontology, is a moral theory that emphasizes the importance of adhering to moral duties and principles, regardless of the consequences. It is often contrasted with utilitarianism, which focuses on maximizing overall good￼。In debates, deontology can be a powerful framework to argue for or against certain actions based on their inherent moral rightness or wrongness, rather than their outcomes￼。

Key Concepts of Deontology in Debate

• Moral Absolutism: Deontologists believe that certain actions are intrinsically right or wrong, regardless of the circumstances or outcomes. For example, lying is considered morally wrong, even if it could lead to a positive outcome￼。

• Universalizability: Actions should be judged based on whether their principles can be universally applied. If an action cannot be universally applied without contradiction, it is morally impermissible￼。

• Respect for Persons: Deontology emphasizes the inherent dignity and rights of individuals. Actions that violate these rights, even for a greater good, are considered unethical￼。

Applying Deontology in Debate

• Against Consequentialist Arguments: If your opponent argues that an action is justified because it leads to a greater good, you can use deontology to argue that some actions are inherently wrong, regardless of their outcomes. For example, in a debate about capital punishment, a deontologist might argue that it is inherently wrong to take a life, even if it deters crime￼。

• Emphasizing Moral Principles: Deontology can be used to argue for the importance of upholding moral principles, such as honesty, justice, and respect for human rights. For example, in a debate about whistleblowing, a deontologist might argue that it is a moral duty to expose wrongdoing, even if it causes short-term harm￼。

• Highlighting the Limits of Consequences: Deontology can challenge the idea that consequences are the only measure of morality. By arguing that some actions are inherently right or wrong, you can question the validity of consequentialist arguments that prioritize outcomes over principles￼。

Examples in Debate Topics

• War: A deontologist might argue that it is morally wrong to engage in war, even if it is for a just cause, because it involves the deliberate use of violence and killing￼。

• Abortion: A deontologist might argue that a woman’s right to control her own body is absolute, and any restrictions on abortion violate this principle￼。

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Realism is a theoretical framework primarily used in international relations (IR) and political science that emphasizes power dynamics, state-centric behavior, and the anarchic nature of the international system.

According to tip.journals.com,Key principles include:

1. Anarchy: No central authority governs states, leading to a self-help system.

2. State Sovereignty: States are the primary actors, prioritizing national interest and survival.

3. Power Politics: States seek to accumulate power (military, economic, or diplomatic) to ensure security.

4. Pessimism about Cooperation: Skepticism toward lasting international cooperation due to conflicting interests.

Subtypes of Realism:

Classical Realism (e.g., Hans Morgenthau): Focuses on human nature’s innate drive for power.

Structural Realism/Neorealism (e.g., Kenneth Waltz): Stresses the anarchic system’s structure as the cause of state behavior.

Offensive Realism (e.g., John Mearsheimer): States maximize power to dominate others.

Defensive Realism: States seek sufficient power to maintain equilibrium and avoid aggression.

When to Use Realism:

1. Power Conflicts: Analyze wars, territorial disputes, or arms races (e.g., US-China tensions, Russia-Ukraine war).

2. Security Dilemmas: Examine how states react to perceived threats (e.g., Cold War nuclear buildup).

3. Balance of Power: Study alliances or strategies to counter hegemony (e.g., NATO formation).

4. State-Centric Crises: Situations where non-state actors or institutions play minimal roles (e.g., interstate diplomacy).

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1. What does the framework "Structural Violence" mean in debate?

In debate, structural violence refers to social structures or institutions that harm people by preventing them from meeting their basic needs or enjoying their fundamental rights. It's often invisible or normalized because it's embedded in systems like economics, politics, and culture. Unlike physical violence, which is directly inflicted, structural violence is more about how systems disproportionately affect certain groups—whether through poverty, unequal access to resources, discrimination, or lack of political power.

The concept is rooted in sociology and political theory, particularly in the work of Johan Galtung, who coined the term. In a debate setting, using this framework means highlighting the harmful effects of a system, policy, or structure on marginalized communities or disadvantaged groups, showing that the harm is systemic and not accidental or isolated.

2. When should we use it?

You should use the framework of structural violence when discussing issues where harm is not just caused by direct or overt actions but is embedded in the systems and institutions themselves. This is particularly effective when:

Arguing about systemic inequality: For example, in debates about race, gender, class, or economic systems, you could argue that these structures themselves perpetuate harm, such as the way certain laws, policies, or practices marginalize specific groups.

Proposing changes to large-scale systems: If you're discussing a proposal that could impact systemic structures (like healthcare, education, criminal justice, etc.), you could frame the harm caused by these systems as a form of structural violence.

Highlighting long-term or invisible harm: When the harm is not obvious or immediate but instead is cumulative over time (for example, the way certain communities face poverty due to historical inequalities), structural violence can be a useful framework to explain how the harm persists.