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.