China Debate Education Network
Arguments by Consequence and Principle
Two Different Methods of Evaluating Actions
• Arguments by consequence– Does the action lead to the greatest utilitarian
consequences? (Greatest good for the greatest number.)
– Consistent with the philosophy of utilitarianism. • Arguments by principle– Actions are evaluated by how they respond to
principles of duties and rights.– Consistent with the philosophy of deontology.
Basis of Utilitarianism
• Started by philosopher Jeremy Bentham.• Do our actions provide the greatest good for
the greatest number of people (In Bentham’s words, the “greatest happiness.”
• Actions that produce greater good are preferred to those that do not.
Value Motion Supported by Consequences
• Primary Claim: Mohandas Gandhi was one of the world’s best leaders. – Gandhi taught the method of non-violence. – Gandhi’s use of non-violent action produced consequences
in Ghana. Using Gandhi’s tactics, Ghana became the first African Country to break free of British rule.
– Ghanaian independence from Britain was a positive consequence. Not only did it provide a non-violent means of freeing citizens of Ghana from British rule, it also provided a model for the advancement of civil rights in the United States.
Policy Motion Supported by Consequences
• Increasing funding and infrastructure for education will improve people’s lives by helping to alleviate poverty. – The proposal substantially provides added
funding and infrastructure the current system. – Infrastructure and funding are causally related to
access to secondary education. – Increasing access to secondary education will
help relive poverty and will improve people’s lives.
Basis of Deontology
• One of the earliest deontologists was philosopher Immanuel Kant.
• This method is grounded in morals and ethics, especially rights and duties.
• A good action is one that conforms to certain principles involving rights and duties.
• A good action is in accord with important principles regardless of the consequences.
Value Motion Supported By Principle
• Mohandas Gandhi was one of the world’s greatest leaders. – Non-violence is one of the most important
principles the world has ever known. – Mohandas Gandhi employed civil disobedience
throughout his life. His method of civil disobedience supports the principle of non-violence.
Policy Motion Supported by Principle
• All governments have the duty to provide education for their citizens. – Access to education is a right of citizens and a
duty of the government to provide.– The Government team’s proposal substantially
changes the policies of the current system. – The Government team’s proposal fulfills the duty
of government and the right of citizens.
Top Related