comm_and_you

Propositions of Value

Page 338

Some speeches go beyond discussing what is or what is not and make claims about something’s worth. Such evaluative claims are called propositions of value. In speeches of this type, you seek to convince an audience that something meets or does not meet a specific standard of goodness or quality or right or wrong. Consider the following examples of propositions of value:

“Torturing prisoners of war is immoral.”
“The Olympics are becoming less relevant as a sporting event.”
“Organized religion has done a great deal of good for the world.”

Each statement offers a judgment about the overall value of the person, event, object, way of life, condition, or action discussed. Like propositions of fact, it’s clear to the audience that these statements of value are not absolute truths but rather the opinion of the speaker. And as with propositions of fact, the speaker must present arguments and evidence that will persuade listeners to align their beliefs and attitudes with the speaker’s.