1. Welcome

2. Contact Information
 Zubin Adrianvala
 zubin@umd.edu
 Office hours: Wednesday 11 to 12 (by
appointment only)

3. Rules of Engagement
 Free Speech is great and so is free
listening
 Be Smart
 Think once before you speak
 Think twice before you type
 Be respectful

4. Avoid Ad hominem
 "How can you argue for vegetarianism
when you wear leather shoes ?“
 "In order to maintain a civil debate, I will
not mention my opponent's drinking
problem.“
 "I used to think that way when I was your
age.“

5. Avoid Non Sequitur
 “Not only is there no God, but try getting
a plumber on weekends”
Woody Allen
 "Tens of thousands of Americans have
seen lights in the night sky which they
could not identify. The existence of life on
other planets is fast becoming certainty !"

6. Avoid Argument By
Vehemence
 Triallawyers are taught this rule:
If you have the facts, pound on the facts.
If you have the law, pound on the law.
If you don't have either, pound on the
table.

7. Recognize Prejudice

8. Have Fun
 “Most of the time I don't have much fun.
The rest of the time I don't have any fun at
all.” Woody Allen