What Are the Value Conflicts and Assumptions?

Question 1

Characteristics of Assumptions

Answer 1

Hidden or Unstated
Take For Granted
Influential in Determining the Conclusion
Potentially Deceptive

Question 2

Where to look for Assumptions

Answer 2

Assumptions needed for the reasons to support the conclusion (linkage assumptions)
Assumptions that are extremely influential in prescriptive arguments (value assumptions)

Question 3

Assumptions

Answer 3

Unstated beliefs that support the explicit reasoning

Question 4

Value Conflicts

Answer 4

Differing values that stem from different frames of reference

Question 5

Value Assumptions

Answer 5

Important because they are directing the reasoning from behind a screen
Taken-for-granted believe about the relative desirability of certain competing values; Implicit preference for one value over another in a particular context; Use value preferences and value priorities as synonyms

Question 6

Priorities or Preference

Answer 6

Preferring one value over another value

Question 7

Values

Answer 7

Ideas that someone thinks are worthwhile; unstated ideas that people see as worthwhile. Provide standards of conduct by which we measure the quality of human behavior

Question 8

Identifying Values

Answer 8

Commonly held values; values that most often pla a rold in shaping opinions or behavior

Question 9

Value Judgments

Answer 9

Unstated assertions about value priorities

Question 10

Value Conflict

Answer 10

Conflicts between values

Question 11

Clues for Identifying Value Assumptions

Answer 11

1. Investigate the author’s background
2. Ask “Why do the consequences of the author’s position seem so important to her?”
3. Search for similar social controveries to find analogous value assumptions
4. Use reverse role-playing. Take a position opposite the author’s position and identify which values are important to that opposite position.
5. Look for common value conflicts such as individual responsibility versus community responsibility