League Policies
Value Debate Judge Orientation Video
Value debate challenges students to think critically about the ideals held by individuals and societies. It seeks to discover which values should drive decision-making rather than advocate for a particular course of action. For example, the question of the environment for value debate is not “what should we do to protect the environment?” but rather “should we value the environment above the economy?”
Debaters use different ways to structure cases and arguments, but you can anticipate that many rounds will feature the following categories of argumentation.
- Precise definitions: The words in a value resolution often have different nuances of meaning, and precise definitions may be required to support an argument. Therefore, the selection and quality of key definitions can be important.
- Hierarchy of values: Debaters will appeal to values or ideals that they will contend their side of the resolution best supports.
- Criterion or standard: Debaters may offer a defined way to help explain, measure or evaluate which arguments best support the preeminent value they have identified.
What to Expect from Experienced Value Debaters
- Solid argumentation: Debaters should explain the logical connections between their assertions and the resolution. They may do this through examples, analogies, precepts of philosophy, cited sources, their own analysis, etc.
- Clash: Debaters should engage with their opponent’s most important arguments, and explain why their own arguments are superior. They may legitimately decide to agree with their opponent on some issues, but they should also identify areas of disagreement and refute their opponent’s positions regarding those points.
What NOT to Expect of Value Debaters
- Perfect proof: Positions on desirable but competing values cannot be absolutely proven as right or wrong, and debaters should not be expected to achieve complete proof for their position. They are responsible for proving their side of the resolution is more valid as a general principle.
- A plan: Value debate should not propose a plan for change but rather a defense of what should be most highly esteemed between two choices.
- Answers to every argument: With limited time, debaters must often choose which arguments to prioritize, so ignoring or “dropping” a lesser argument that is outweighed by a more important one should not necessarily be considered a losing move.
2025-2026 Value Debate Resolution
Resolved: In the exploration and utilization of outer space, international cooperation should be prioritized.