Value systems

Value Systems Slide

1. Values and Value Systems in
Arguments

2. Table of Contents
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Why Consider Values?3
Types of Individual
Values
4
The Six American
Value Systems
6
Compatibility13
More Information14

3. Why Consider Values?
Advocates use values in the arguments they make. Sometimes advocates state values explicitly. Sometimes advocates assume the person reading or listening to the argument will fill in a desired value.
Either way, the values in and underlying arguments are important to understand and consider, for both argument construction and argument response.
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4. Types of
Individual Values
Instrumental values concern how
you want to be perceived.
Examples:
•Ambitious
•Broadminded
•Capable
•Cheerful
•Clean
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5. Types of
Individual Values
Terminal values concern what you
want to achieve.
Examples:
•A comfortable life
•An exciting life
•Equality
•Salvation
•Security
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6. Six American Value Systems
A value systemis the
established values, norms, or
goals existing in a society.
According to R. D. Rieke & M. O.
Sillars, there are sixtypical
American value systems:
•Puritan-Pioneer-Peasant
•Enlightenment
•Progressive
•Transcendental
•Personal Success
•Collectivist
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7. Puritan-Pioneer-Peasant Value System
This value system is rooted in the idea that people have an obligation to
themselves and those around them, in some cases to their God, to work hard at
whatever they do. This value system takes on a moral orientation and is what
most Americans refer to when they speak of the “pioneer spirit,” “puritan
morality,” and/or “Protestant ethic.”
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Positive Values
•Activity
•Work
•Thrift
•Morality
•Dedication
•Selflessness
•Virtue
•Dignity
Negative Values
•Waste
•Immorality
•Disgrace
•Vanity
•Infidelity
•Theft
•Poverty
•Vandalism

8. Enlightenment Value System
The Enlightenment value system is rooted in the idea that people find out about the universe through the power of reason. In this system, humans are perceived as basically good and capable of finding answers; people should never be restrained in matters of the mind (i.e., reason must be free); and government is an agreement among individuals to assist society in protecting inalienable rights.
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Positive Values
•Freedom
•Science
•Nature
•Rationality
•Democracy
•Fact
•Liberty
•Individualism
Negative Values
•Ignorance
•Thoughtlessness
•Indecision
•Dictatorship
•Fascism
•Regression
•Irrationality
•Falsehood

9. Progressive Value System
This value system is rooted in the idea that progress is
inherently good and that progress continually makes
things better.
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Positive Values
•Practicality
•Efficiency
•Change
•Improvement
•Science
•Future
•Modern
•Evolution
Negative Values
•Old-fashioned
•Regressive
•Impossible
•Backward

10. Transcendental Value System
This value system is rooted in the idea that intuition, as a way of knowing, is a faculty higher than reason. In this system, an emphasis exists on humanitarian values, the centrality of love for others, and the importance of feelings
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Positive Values
•Humanitarian
•Individualism
•Respect
•Intuition
•Equality
•Love
•Mysticism
Negative Values
•Science
•Reason
•Mechanical
•Hate
•War
•Anger
•Unemotional

11. Personal Success Value System
This value system is rooted in a highly pragmatic concern
for the material happiness of the individual. This value
system stresses personal achievement and success.
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Positive Values
•Career
•Family
•Recreation
•Economic Security
•Dignity
•Individualism
•Identity
Negative Values
•Dullness
•Routine
•Hunger
•Poverty
•Disgrace
•Coercion
•Disease

12. Collectivist Value System
This value system is rooted in the idea of cooperative
action and a perceived need to control the excesses of
freedom in a mass society.
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Positive Values
•Cooperation
•Joint Action
•Unity
•Brotherhood
•Order
•Humanitarian Aid and Comfort
•Equality
Negative Values
•Disorganization
•Selfishness
•Personal Greed
•Inequality

13. Compatibility
Some value systems are
compatible with each other, but
others often come into conflict.
Examples:
•The Puritan-Pioneer-Peasant
system often pairs effectively
with the Personal Success
System but often conflicts with
the Progressive Value system.
•The Enlightenment system often
pairs effectively with the
Progressive system but often
conflicts with the
Transcendental system.
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14. More Information
To review in more detail, refer to the Values and Value
Systems in Arguments handout linked on Blackboard.
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