The Art of Debate

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1922 edition. Excerpt: ... PART IV. MAKING THE PLEA CHAPTER I CONVICTION 1 Preliminary Statement. -- In the preceding main divisions of this text an attempt has been made: First, under the general title, Beginning Principles, to give the student sufficient theory to enable him to begin intelligently the practice of debate; second, under the general title, Elements of Proof, to give him a thorough understanding of all the elements of proof that must be used in debate; and third, under the general title, Building the Case, to show how these various elements of proof should be assembled into a case. The purpose of the fourth and last main division of the text must be, therefore, to set forth the principles governing the most effective presentation of a case under the general title, Making the Plea. This part of the text will develop: First, the subject of conviction in debate; second, the subject of persuasion in debate; third, the subject of speech-composition in debate; and fourth, the subject of strategy in debate. Importance of Conviction in Debate. -- Conviction is one of the most important processes that must be used in debate; for the only object in debate is to create or destroy belief in a proposition; and this object may be accomplished only by means of the twofold process of conviction and persuasion. 1 For lesson assignments on Conviction, see Appendix A. Definition of Conviction and Persuasion. -- Conviction is a process by which one is made to believe a proposition by seeing and understanding its truth; and persuasion is a process by which one is made to believe a proposition by feeling and appreciating its truth. Conviction is a process that appeals to reason in order to get understanding; and persuasion is a process that appeals to the emotions in...