Atheism and Theism are different.

He didn't, and I think that's problematic as he chose to source definitions rather than self-define them. Here are the sources- Athiesm: . http://www.merriam-webster.com... Theism: . http://www.merriam-webster.com... Different: . http://dictionary.reference.com... I want you all to note a few things about these definitions. First, these definitions come from mixed sources. This suggests that rather than choosing a qualified source and pulling the definitions for this round from that, Pro picked out the exact terms he wanted for this round. As this is the case, you MUST hold him to these definitions as they are offered. Second, The definition provided in-round for 'Different' is different from the definition on Dictionary,com (that was a confusing sentence. ) This seems like an honest mistake, but the definition of different provided on Dictionary. com is as follows "not alike in character or quality; distinct in nature; dissimilar" Finally, this action is a forfeiture of the 'Reliable Sources' voter. There are two warrants (a)Pro failed to actually provide these sources in-round which suggests he doesn't much care; and (b) Pro falsely cited the definition of different as a double posting of 'Theism'. *** 1. Criteria for winning- a. As one would expect, in order for the Pro to win he must show that the resolution is a truth statement. Con cannot hope to win if the resolution is only probably true, he must show it to be absolutely true. b. Con maintains presumption. This means that (i) We assume Pro hasn't met his burden prior to the beginning of the debate; (ii) If the debate looks like a wash, the vote goes Con; and (iii) The only thing Con has to do in order to win is to cast some level of doubt onto the Pro. c. If Con chooses to make arguments as to why Atheism and Theism are not different, this does not nullify their presumption status. If anything it solidifies it further. d. The inverse of different is similar. If at the end of the debate you find Atheism and Theism to be similar then the vote goes Con. 2. Athiesm and Theism are not different- a. Pro cannot claim that because the definitions of the these two things are not the same that his burden has been met. Such a tactic would be abusive to the Con and make the resolution a truism. Voters are Fairness, Ground and Education. b. The definition of 'different' states 'not alike in character or quality; distinct in nature; dissimilar'. Both Atheism and Theism have to do with a belief, therefore they are not different. c. Specific instances of Atheism and Theism should be avoided in this round as the resolution asks a broad question. Were the Pro to attempt to compare Southern Baptists to Dawkins Athiests for instance, it would skew the overall discussion. It would also guarantee him a loss as all I would have to do to win is suggest a single instance of similarity and the vote will go Con. 3. Atheism and Theism are similar- a. As suggested prior, both Atheism and Theism have to do with belief. Theism is a belief that there is a God or Gods, and Atheism is a belief that this is no God or Gods. b. Pro may want to discuss Strong versus Weak Atheism, however even if he can show that one or the other is different from general theism, I have already shown why that would be insufficient for him to win the round.