Instigator / Con
21
1510
rating
4
debates
75.0%
won
Topic
#2485

The Kalam Cosmetological Argument

Status
Finished

The debate is finished. The distribution of the voting points and the winner are presented below.

Winner & statistics
Better arguments
9
0
Better sources
6
6
Better legibility
3
3
Better conduct
3
2

After 3 votes and with 10 points ahead, the winner is...

Jarrett_Ludolph
Parameters
Publication date
Last updated date
Type
Standard
Number of rounds
5
Time for argument
One week
Max argument characters
10,000
Voting period
Two weeks
Point system
Multiple criterions
Voting system
Open
Contender / Pro
11
1417
rating
158
debates
32.59%
won
Description

I, Jarrett_Ludolph will be holding the CON position, the view that the argument is unsuccessful, while my opponent, PRO, will be taking the view that the argument is successful. Even though there are other arguments for the exist of God, this debate will only cover the Kalam.

I look forward to a lively debate!

Criterion
Con
Tie
Pro
Points
Better arguments
3 point(s)
Better sources
2 point(s)
Better legibility
1 point(s)
Better conduct
1 point(s)
Reason:

I want to give pro a kudos point for being so entertaining on a topic that is very often dull, but such is not allowed. All I can do is leave conduct tied.

The best pro does in support of the resolution, is an empty assertion without showing it as better: "they should be able to do what they want to beautify the skin, hair or their nails according to religious belief"

Whereas con makes a case for why the KCA is flawed if trying to point to God, and even without that requires expansion beyond the initial syllogism.

Regarding the K: It felt like special pleading, instead of a valid criticism. My rap/rape debate was mentioned (https://www.debate.org/debates/should-abortion-be-illegal-in-The-United-States-of-America/1/), but there con gives a simple defense of context (further supported by the description), and further I see no sign of pro trying to point out the error prior to accepting. As for the Ormagi/Origami issue, the strength of the arguments for one context over another can be varied leading to different results.

Criterion
Con
Tie
Pro
Points
Better arguments
3 point(s)
Better sources
2 point(s)
Better legibility
1 point(s)
Better conduct
1 point(s)
Reason:

This was pretty clearcut.

We never see a proper refutation of Grice's Razor from PRO.

PRO's attempted refutation with the difference between "rap" and "rape" not only doesn't refute the core idea of addressing what is meant, not said, but it also ignores the fact there is literally no such thing as a "Kalam Cosmetological Argument" whereas there IS rap and also rape.

CON didn't even have to point it out. It was pretty obvious why such a refutation didn't apply, at least from my standpoint. From there, PRO just tried to use red herrings to cop out.

Criterion
Con
Tie
Pro
Points
Better arguments
3 point(s)
Better sources
2 point(s)
Better legibility
1 point(s)
Better conduct
1 point(s)
Reason:

Con presented arguments about the KCA and why the universe can be explained naturalistically. Pro, expecting an easy win because of the slight typo in the resolve, ignored the subject matter and engaged not a single argument. The overall lack of energy in Pro's responses also compels me to give conduct to Con.

In conclusion, Con wins in my book, by virtue of having no arguments contested, and actually trying to have a discussion.