13Kritiks: Links, Impacts, Alternatives, Framework

What a K is, common types (Cap, Security, SetCol, Fem, Anthro), and how to answer.

  • Build link story to Aff assumptions; defend an alternative; justify K framework.
  • Answers: no link; impact defense; perm do both; alt flaws; framework pushback.

Examples

  • Cap K: Link via commodification of rights; alt = reject market calculus in evaluation.
  • Security K: Link via threat inflation; alt = reframe security discourse.

When to read a K

  • Opp uses harmful assumptions/methods or your link story is topic-generic and strong.
  • Judge is comfortable with kritikal debate or you can translate clearly for a trad judge.

Cap K overview (copy/paste)

Link: The affirmative treats rights as tradable outcomes in a cost-benefit frame—commodifies human worth.
Impact: Commodification normalizes exploitation and ecological collapse.
Alternative: Reject market calculus as a decision method; evaluate advocacy through a decommodified ethical lens.
Framework: Prefer method: fairness/education—interrogating assumptions prevents replication of harm-producing debate practices.

Security K overview (copy/paste)

Link: The aff amplifies threat narratives (border insecurity), privileging control and surveillance.
Impact: Threat construction justifies violence and rights erosion.
Alternative: Reject securitizing discourse; adopt care-centered framing over control.
Framework: Method comes first—checking harmful discourse is a precondition to ethical policy deliberation.