Lecture on Counter Plans

Introduction

• Pokemon Analogy: Two massive Pokemon fighting with strong attacks vs. using a simple tool like a pokeball to counter.
• Focus: Discussing what a counter plan is and its importance in debate.

Definition of a Counter Plan

• Question: What is the most accurate definition?
  • Answer: Opportunity cost to the affirmative.
  • Other options explain misconceptions:
    • Policies solving the affirmative aren't necessarily counter plans.
    • The term 'counter' doesn't literally prefix 'affirmative' in usage.
    • Counter plans avoid disadvantages caused by the affirmative.

Roles in Debate

• Affirmative Burden: Prove their resolution is a good idea via policy.
• Negative Burden: Prove the affirmative policy is a bad idea.

Understanding Counter Plans

1. Solving the Affirmative: Avoiding disadvantages; e.g., reforming vs. abolishing the 1033 program.
2. Foreclosing Better Worlds: Affirmative action might block better alternatives.
3. Opportunity Cost: Counter plans should be a better alternative.

Proving Opportunity Cost

• Net Benefit: Counter plan solves advantages without causing disadvantages of the affirmative.
• Mutual Exclusivity: Rare; two options cannot coexist, e.g., opposite policies on arms sales.

Answering Counter Plans

• Permutation: Affirmative can perform both affirmative and parts of counter plan.
• Links to Net Benefit: If both affirmative and counter plan cause disadvantage, neither is better.
• Offense: Counter plan may be worse than both the affirmative and status quo.
• Theory: Debate about the legitimacy and number of counter plans.
• Solvency Deficits: Counter plan fails to solve all affirmative advantages.

Types of Counter Plans

1. Agent Counter Plans: Different body should implement affirmative.
2. Plan Inclusive Counter Plans (PICs): Do affirmative except minor parts.
3. Advantage Counter Plans: Solve affirmative advantages through different means.
4. Process Counter Plans: Use different processes; susceptible to permutation and theory.
5. Uniqueness Counter Plans: Provides uniqueness for disadvantages, comparing affirmative to counter plan.

Structure of Counter Plans

• 1NC Counter Plan Structure:
  • Text: Specifies the counter plan.
  • Solvency Evidence: Shows counter plan’s effectiveness.
  • Net Benefit: Reason counter plan is preferable.

Conclusion

• Practice: Analyze different counter plans, identify types, and think about permutations and solvency deficits.
• Engagement: Be prepared to discuss findings and questions in meetings.