Blog Post 7 - Chapter 8

          Chapter eight informs us about the importance of values in our arguments. Values are defined as “a conception of the desirable that influences the selection from available modes, means and ends of action” (Rieke, Sillars, & Peterson, 121). In other words, values guide us to make decisions that we perceive to be good for us. While people often assume that good arguments are backed by credibility or evidence, values are equally as important in determining the grounds and warrants that people use to grant adherence to a claim (Rieke, Sillars, & Peterson, 121).

            The values that people hold fall into multiple categories. Each category, if understood and utilized effectively by argument makers, could be extremely beneficial in gaining adherence. The first category of values is stated and implied values. Stated values are direct and explicit. When mentioned, people know immediately what value is being referred to. Implied values are discerned from an understanding of stated values. They allow people to infer the stated value from the statements given. Many political advertisements use a variety of stated and implied values to compel voters to consider their values before voting. An example of a stated value could be, “this candidate values freedom of speech.” A more implied value would look like, “this candidate believes that on-campus student groups should not be censored by the school administration.” While both messages convey the same sentiments, the value of freedom of speech can only be inferred from the implied value claim. Another category of values to note is terminal and instrumental values. Terminal values are the ends that people admire, while instrumental values are the means of achieving those ends (Rieke, Sillars, & Peterson, 122). Put simply, terminal values can be viewed as goals, while instrumental values are the desirable methods that one can use to attain those goals. Drawing on political advertisements again, many politicians use terminal values to allow voters to picture a brighter future under their time in office. For example, many candidates say, “this candidate is fighting for affordable healthcare for all.” However, the instrumental values most likely needed to achieve those goals are usually embedded in the advertisement as well. For example, an advertisement could say, “this candidate has a proven record of reliability and the capability to work across the political aisle.” Hence, while terminal values might inspire some to vote, people often look at instrumental values to see if someone’s terminal values are even possible to be realized in the first place.

            Values, while broad concepts themselves, do not appear alone. They frequently appear in value systems as a set of linked claims (Rieke, Sillars, & Peterson, 124). Most politicians promote their value systems as opposed to just one value that they hold dearly. More often than not, this value system is a traditional one. Specifically, in American politics, the enlightenment value system is the one adopted by government officials (Rieke, Sillars, & Peterson, 125). In such a value system, stated values such as liberty, freedom, democracy, and progress are linked together. They might be implied in a politician’s commitment to lower taxes or to push for universal health care. How people perceive the enlightenment value system has also led to the formation of political parties. Therefore, through understanding values, it is easy to see why many platforms from members of the same party are extremely similar, even though they represent different states in the country.

Sources:

Rieke, R.D., Sillars, M.O., & Peterson, T.R. (2013). Argumentation and critical decision making. 8th ed., New York: Pearson.