Overview
The goal of this essay is to establish something that cannot be empirically verified: the meaning of a word. Our ability to make an argument is limited when we cannot appeal to values. Contrary to the belief that values diminish the validity of an argument by rendering it mere opinion, values are a necessary part of argument. Indeed, they are the very heart of argument. And we argue over evaluative terms because they are notoriously difficult to define.
To establish what is meant by any evaluative word, we must rely on precedent and context. We can refer to authoritative sources such as dictionaries, but we must also take into account common usage and intent. In the case of subjective concepts like hot, cold, short, or tall, we might establish a specific unit of measurement so that we have general agreement. (Generally speaking, we would agree that anyone over six feet qualifies as tall.) We do not have definitive definitions for other value terms, especially cultural values like freedom, happiness, efficiency, maturity, ingenuity, independence, health, security, life, criminality, loyalty, compassion, responsibility, and sustainability.
Cultural values are key terms to which we appeal again and again when deciding a course of action. They are the fundamental values of our society, even if we cannot agree on the definition of each word.
This assignment is designed to give you practice in another technique of persuasive writing: defining a cultural value in such a way that seems credible to your reader and that helps you to make an argument. Your ability to make credible value claims will help you to contribute to a range of public discourse in influential ways.
See instruction attached:
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