First of all I'll cover what they're not. Positive is typically associated with good. Negative is usually associated with bad. Forget that. That's not how I am using them here.
It's like positive and negative space:
To debate positively means to construct an argument.
To debate negatively means to deconstruct and critique an argument.
Make sense?
An effective application of debate requires the presence of both. You must build and defend your case, and critique the other party's position to be successful, logical and honest.
I'd hope the reasons might be obvious so I'd like to discuss an anti-pattern - a form of behavior that is a red flag. In this case it's an indication that you or your opponent's argument is shaky.
Debating negatively is safer territory. If you're having trouble defending your position it's easier to attack the other person's position. If you find you are only arguing in the negative it's entirely likely that you are retreating (even if you're not mindful of it) because you can't make or defend your case. The same goes for your opponent.
It's very common, so be on the lookout.
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