L-D Part 3B Value Systems

	Value Systems Values Defined Philosophical Theories Pragmatic Approaches Value Criteria Value Systems Review


Pragmatic Approaches Theorists provide the backbone for supporting values in Lincoln-Douglas; however, many judges require a pragmatic core within a debate round. Therefore, a debater must find methods to apply the philosophical theories in the "real world." There are two basic formulas for accomplishing this task: Facts and Statistics: Within the case construction, a debater should take a look at the "real world" problem being addressed by the proposition. Why was the proposition chosen? What current issues and events are related to the topic being debated? What are the facts and statistics behind the current debate in the "real world?" When encountering a new proposition, the first step any debater should take is to search through current magazines for a perspective of the topic. He should gather statistics on both the affirmative and negative viewpoints. Remember, however, that value debate searches for an approach to a problem not a solution . If a debater becomes too involved in facts and statistics, then the debate turns into a policy argument on solvency . Value debate seeks an appropriate strategy or attitudeof dealing with the situation. Analogies and Hypothetical Examples: After exploring how the issue affects the "real world" and after studying theoretic values associated with the topic, a debater should develop a list of analogies (comparisons, similes) and produce a list of hypothetical situations (made up) related to the values and topics associated with the proposition. In a debate over crime versus civil liberty, a debater may compare a person's home to a prison if crime threatens that individual and prevents him from venturing into the community. In a debate over genetic research, a debater may hypothetically link the value of scientific progress to the movie Species. The primary purpose of the analogy is to explain how the philosophical theories apply in the "real world." Exercise, Philosophic: In order to grasp an understanding of the relationship between philosophy and pragmatism, write at least five analogies and/or hypothetical examples that help explain the primary theory of at least one well know theorist. Return to top of page
Value Criteria Individuals frequently do not realize that values come into conflict with one another unless someone else points out the problem. Once a conflict has been identified, a standard, or measurement, is needed in order to judge the worth of each value and determine which takes precedence. In value debate, this standard or measurement is called criteria . How do we determine which value is more important? Defined: Criteria - standards, rules, or tests on which a decision or judgment is based. By what measurement can we judge success or failure? On what basis is one value proven to be more important than another? Example: The criterion for passing a class is achieving a 70% or higher on the final report card. If we meet this criterion, we pass the course and receive credit. If we do not obtain a 70%, we fail the course and must take it again. Explanation: In high school, criterion is probably the least understood and most misused concept in value debate. Debaters say they have a criterion but do not apply it. Values, as opposed to policies, are vague (imprecise, unspecified). How is security more important than knowledge? Students frequently resort to the argument that "so and so is more important because so and so said so." The judges are rarely impressed by such arguments and are unlikely to be swayed by simple opinion. What is needed is a concrete measurement tool (e.g. a yard stick) that the judge can use to test the significance of each value. Sample Criteria: (Universal, moral, social, political, historical, legal, economical, etc.) Utilitarianism- That which produces the greatest good for the greatest number is the best method for determining the worth of any value. Ultimate Worth - A value or action is good or bad in and of itself regardless of the consequences. It's the thought that counts. Ultimate Effect - A value or action is good or bad based upon its consequences. Importance must be based on final outcome - results. Social Contract - People agree to adhere to the laws imposed by a government, including those which they oppose; in return, the government agrees to provide for the needs of the people and to respect their basic rights. Religion, Law - A value or action is based on its relationship to the Ten Commandments or other established religious moral laws. Religion, Compassion - "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." "You are your brother's keeper." Distributive Justice - Every member of society should enjoy equal liberties and society should allocate benefits to its members such that the least advantaged among them receives the greatest benefits. Justice- Every member of society should receive their due reward and fair treatment. Categorical Imperative - "ultimate truth" - certain values are of worth - not because of any effects, but because they are good, in and of themselves Application in "Real Life." We use criteria every day to help us make decisions. Follow the maze below and determine which action you feel would be most appropriate. At first glance, you may choose one path, but additional issues may cause you to change your course. This is a bedrock for debate - pointing out alternate issues. Application In Value Debate: The affirmative may use the criterion of the Social Contract to illustrate that security outweighs freedom under current conditions. To apply his criterion to his value, the affirmative would point out that one of the purposes of government is to provide for the security of its citizens and that under current conditions our government is failing in that task. He would also point out that members of society agree to give up certain personal liberties in order to enjoy the security provided by the government. He would then assert that law enforcement officials should be allowed just enough flexibility to bring crime under control and thus provide adequate security and better fulfill its part of the Social Contract. The negative may choose to accept the Social Contract criterion but point out that the contract can be fulfilled without any further infringements on freedom or individual liberty. To apply the criterion to the negative value, the debater may wish to first illustrate that other methods may be used to control crime, e.g. harsher prison sentences, drug rehabilitation, vocational programs, etc. The negative may then proceed to point out flaws in the affirmative's case and assert that the affirmative has failed to demonstrate that limiting freedom is the only or most productive means of fulfilling the Social Contract. Finally, the negative would point out that guaranteeing individual liberty is also a vital provision of the Social Contract and in the absence of any compelling reasons to change current attitudes - maintaining the current level of freedom best fulfills that contract. Value Criteria Exercise: Use the following dilemma to explore conflicting values and criteria. Draw a brief outline or sketch to illustrate the opposing viewpoints. In order to continue to live, a woman must receive a medical drug that costs $100,000.00. Their insurance will not cover the cost, the hospital will not provide the medication, nor is help in obtaining the drug possible by any other legal means. The only recourse the husband has is to steal the drug from a local pharmacy. Should this be considered a moral act? And should society punish the husband for his crime? Consider the following: Through loss of the drug, the local pharmacist will be forced into bankruptcy and will lose his ability to support himself and his family. By excusing the crime, society will be sending a signal to the community that it is all right to violate the law under certain circumstances. The illness could have been prevented entirely if the woman had followed her doctor's advice and sought treatment earlier. The husband had only two choices - steal the drug or let his wife die. Should he go to jail? If so, for how long? What damages should be awarded to the pharmacist? Remember that the husband is poor. Return to top of page
Value Systems Review In your own words, define the term "value" and provide at least five examples not found in this handbook. What is a prerequisite? A conditional requirement? List and explain at least five different values included in this handbook. List the names of at least five different theorists and explain at least one social theory in detail. What are the five different levels of needs according to Abraham Maslow? Place them in sequential order according to importance, and briefly define each level. What are two ways of adding pragmatic concepts into a debate case? List and define five different criterion found within this handbook. Describe a "real life" situation where values have come into conflict. Indicate what criterion was used to weigh opposing values and the outcome of the decision made. Vocabulary: value - criteria - prerequisite - democracy - equal opportunity freedom - free speech - individualism - knowledge - life - national security quality of life - scientific progress - security - privacy - work - self actualization - theorist - hierarchy - self-esteem - survival - approach solution - strategy - attitude - vagueness - utilitarianism - ultimate worth ultimate effect - social contract - distributive justice - religion, law - religion, compassion - justice - categorical imperative - ultimate truth Exercise Revision: Revise the exercises completed for this unit. Value Exercise - Theorist Exercise - Value Criteria Return to top of page

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