Value Judgments and Values Key Components of Lincoln-Douglas Debate

The topics we use for LD debate are value judgments. Value judgments can be expressed as: X is better than Y. X is good (or bad). X ought (or ought not) happen.

Value judgments are made using deeply-held beliefs about the world, people, and the way that things should be. Sometimes we are aware of those beliefs, and other times, they require reflection and self-analysis. Another term for those beliefs or systems of beliefs is values.

In the real world, the things that people value can have positive and negative consequences. Examples: A company may value profit above its employees’ well-being. People may value others’ physical appearance more than their intelligence or kindness. A society may hold the types of labor associated with men above the types of labor it associates with women.

But, in Lincoln-Douglas Debate, we argue for what ought to be valued…for what is ideal.

Examples of value judgments and the values that inform them: Examples of value judgments and the values that inform them: Drinking water is better than drinking pop. (Value: Health, Frugality, Taste)

Examples (cont.) The United States has a good political system. (Value: Democracy, Freedom, Prosperity) You ought not cheat on your schoolwork. (Value: Justice, Knowledge, Morality)

Value judgments can either be affirmed (you argue that it is valid) or negated (you argue that the opposite is valid). The value judgments the NFL picks for debate resolutions are designed to create a clash between values. Value judgments can either be affirmed (you argue that it is valid) or negated (you argue that the opposite is valid). The value judgments the NFL picks for debate resolutions are designed to create a clash between values.

Take the first value judgment as an example: Drinking water is better than drinking pop. Affirmative Values: Health Frugality Taste Negative (supports the inverse: Drinking pop is better than drinking water) Values: Taste Satisfaction

It is the presence of conflicting values that makes debate possible: Health versus Satisfaction Frugality versus Taste

Student Assignment Try to identify the value clash in the following value judgments or resolutions: 1. Military drafts are unjust. 2. The death penalty is a just punishment. 3. The United States ought to provide health care to every citizen. 4. Violent revolution is acceptable against an oppressive government

Student Assignment (cont.) 5. National security concerns justify taking civil liberties away. 6. Developing a strong economy is more important than protecting the environment. 7. Communities should determine what is taught in their schools, not teachers.

Student Assignment (Final Questions) 8. All children should be immunized from serious diseases, even if their parents don’t want them to be. 9. Hate speech should be banned from public places. 10. Socialism is a better economic system than capitalism.