Weighing Arguments and Winning the Judge
Winning a debate isn’t just about making strong arguments - it’s about proving why your arguments matter more than your opponent’s. This process is called weighing, and it’s one of the most important skills in Lincoln-Douglas debate.
At the end of the round, the judge has heard two competing cases. Both sides will have made points that sound reasonable. Your job is to make the judge’s decision easy by clearly explaining why your arguments carry more weight than your opponent’s.
What Does It Mean to Weigh Arguments?
Weighing is the process of comparing arguments based on impact, probability, and magnitude to show why your case is stronger. Instead of just saying, “My argument is better,” you need to explain why your argument should determine the outcome of the debate.
Here are three common ways to weigh arguments:
1. Impact - Why Does This Argument Matter?
Not all arguments are equally important. Some have a bigger effect on people’s lives. Arguments with larger consequences should take priority in the judge’s decision.
“My opponent argues that AGI development could lead to job loss, but my argument shows that AGI could prevent global catastrophes. While losing jobs is unfortunate, it’s nowhere near as serious as preventing large-scale disasters.”
Why it works: You’re showing that your argument has a bigger impact on society, making it more important than your opponent’s.
2. Probability - How Likely Is This to Happen?
Some arguments sound scary, but they’re based on unlikely scenarios. If you can prove that your impacts are more probable, the judge is more likely to side with you.
“My opponent claims AGI could cause human extinction, but there’s no historical precedent for AI wiping out civilizations. Meanwhile, I’ve proven that AI is already improving medicine, which is happening right now.”
Why it works: You’re showing that your argument is grounded in real-world evidence, while your opponent’s relies on speculation.
3. Magnitude - How Big Is the Effect?
Sometimes, both arguments are likely, but one affects more people. You can use magnitude to show that even if your opponent’s argument is true, your argument affects more people in a more significant way.
“Even if AGI could cause job displacement, the benefits to medical research, education, and global security far outweigh short-term employment concerns.”
Why it works: You acknowledge your opponent’s concern but show that the positive effects of AGI are too big to ignore.
How to Weigh Arguments in the Round
The best time to weigh arguments is in your final speeches. This is where you tell the judge how to evaluate the debate.
Proactive Weighing: Start weighing early in the round. If you wait until the last speech, the judge may have already made up their mind.
Compare Directly: Don’t just say your argument is stronger - explain why. Use phrases like “Even if you believe my opponent’s argument, mine still outweighs because…”
Use Judge-Friendly Language: Judges appreciate clarity. Don’t say “My argument is non-unique” - say “This argument would happen no matter what, so it’s not a reason to vote against me.”
The Bottom Line
Debate is about persuasion, not just logic. If you don’t weigh arguments, the judge has to decide which side is more important on their own. But if you do it for them, they’re far more likely to vote for you. Make your case clear, show why your arguments matter more, and leave no doubt in the judge’s mind.