Impact calculus

In policy and public forum debates, impact calculus, also known as weighing impacts, is a type of argumentation which seeks to compare the impacts presented in both causes and effects to sway the judge's decision.

Basic Impact Calculus

There are several basic types of impact calculus that compare the impacts of the plan to the impacts of a disadvantage:
; Probability
; Timeframe
; Magnitude
; Severity

Other types of impact calculus

Some other more sophisticated arguments are also considered impact calculus:
; Impact inclusivity
; Root Cause
; Internal link shortcircuiting
; Reversibility
; Link Strength
Approach arguments can also be considered impact calculus. Arguments as to why the judge should adopt a utilitarian or consequentialist perspective or conversely a deontological perspective may change the way they compare impacts.

Impact calculus and "new" arguments

Basic impact calculus arguments may be made at any time and are generally not considered "new" arguments, even if brought up for the first time in the 2NR or 2AR. More sophisticated forms of impact calculus should generally be brought up earlier in the debate and supported by evidence whenever possible.