Countermodel

  • Date 2022-07-18

General Definition: An alternative definition or set of definitions provided by Opposition in response to Proposition’s provided model. Countermodels should only be given if Proposition has provided a model that is too narrow in scope or skews the debate in a way that makes competition unfair for the Opposition team.

  • Public Forum: Not used in PF, where modelling isn’t an affirmative burden. If a case doesn’t address the resolution, PF debaters may argue “Topicality” instead.
  • World Schools Debate: In WSD, countermodels are usually unnecessary and highly discouraged.
  • British Parliamentary: In BP, countermodels are usually unnecessary and are highly discouraged. OO should usually explain any unfairness with the model to the judge, then move on. See also ‘squirrelling’.
  • Canadian National Debate Format: see general definition.