Topicality On Alternative Energy

Topicality “Alternative energy”

1. Definition Alternative Energy is defined as : non-fossil-fuel power sources "alternative energy." Encyclopædia Britannica. 2008. Encyclopædia Britannica Online. 08 Jul. 2008

2. Interpretation Alternative Energy is an inclusive term that has several different aspects. It is not limited to a specific resource but instead is many.

3. Violation The affirmative team is not inclusive in their interpretation of alternative energy but instead limits it to only one source of alternative energy. The affirmative team must increase alternative energy-as a whole- incentives and not just one source of alternative energy like solar power.

4. Standards A. Term of Art: Alternative Energy should be defined as a phrase and not separate words or the possibilities for affirmative teams are endless. B. Every Word Has Meaning – The phrase alternative energy was put in the resolution for a reason and a specific purpose. If the resolution wanted specific source incentives to be increased it would have called for it by name, for ex. Solar energy incentives. C. Vacuum – Topicality is specifically for plan text and as such it is the only thing you should look at. When looking at plan text, you clearly see the affirmative only increases solar energy incentives and not alternative energy incentives as a whole.

5. Voters A. A priori – Topicality is the first issue in a debate and should be considered before any other arguments. It is the first thing the affirmative should’ve considered when creating a case. B. Jurisdiction – As a judge you are not allowed to vote for a non-topical case. To do so would mean you still would not vote for the resolution, thereby voting negative.