1. LD Values/Value Criterions
Meagan Pe

2. Introduction to Lincoln-Douglas
Welcome to the world of LD! You’re probably just like, “Wow Mr. Symmonds assigned me to a morals and ethics debate, what do I do? I have no morals OR ethics!” But like it’s chill, don’t even trip. Lincoln-Douglas is a relatively easy debate, as long as you know what you’re doing! In this debate, it’s especially important to know what value/value criterions are and how to uphold them!

3. Values
A value is the highest standard in your round, which is why it’s absolutely important for you to defend it!
They uphold your whole case and every single one of your contentions!
This means that it is absolutely crucial to have a value that supports and ties in with every contention and subpoint!

4. Value Criterions
Your value criterion is just as important as your value!
It ensures your value, and upholds it.
(E.g. A value of equality supported by a value criterion of decreasing oppression.)
Criterions should also support and tie into your contentions as well!

5. Attacking Values
There are a few things that you can do to attack your opponent's values and value criterions. This includes:
Combining your values/value criterions, and saying your case better upholds both of them.
Applying their value into your case, and showing how their value actually supports you.
Finding a flaw in one of their contentions which doesn’t uphold their value/value criterion.

6. Philosophy & Values
Commonly used values and value criterions in LD are based off of philosophy. Some examples of this include:
Categorical Imperative: In Kantian ethics, it is a moral obligation that is binding in all circumstances and is not dependent on a person’s inclination or purpose.
Realism: The attitude or practice of accepting a situation as it is and being prepared to deal with it accordingly.

7. Examples of Values/Value Criterions
Egalitarianism
Societal Welfare
Humanity
Consequentialism
Deontology
Security
Safety
Liberty

8. Values/Value Criterions to Avoid
Both of these values/value criterions are extremely subjective grey-areas, and are easy to defeat in debate. Not to mention, they are overused and just an overall NO-NO.
Morality
Justice

9. Good Luck!
Although, joining speech and debate can seem like a big, scary task, the reality is-- it’s not. So, don’t tell yourself that it is. Have fun, and remember that you are better than you think you are.