AFFIRMATIVE BRIEFS
1. Negative says: We must equally value idealism and pragmatism.
Brief: Pragmatism is defined as “a way of thinking about results: a straightforward practical way of thinking about things or dealing with problems, concerned with results rather than with theories and principles.” This would mean that pragmatism is a means of accomplishing an ideal, or making things as they should be. If that’s the case, why would you value the means over the end result? Imagine if you will a basketball team whose goal is to win a championship. In order to accomplish this ideal, they must work hard at practices, hit the weight room regularly, and take countless shots and sweat through countless drills when no one is looking. Why would they bother working so hard unless they valued a championship above all else? Ask anyone who has ever accomplished anything of worth, ask them why they worked so hard: they worked for their end result, their ideal. This is why idealism is more valuable than pragmatism.
2. Negative says: Nothing can be accomplished without pragmatism.
Brief: This is simply untrue. Just look at the definition of idealism: “behavior or thought based on a conception of things as they should be or as one would wish them to be; idealization.” This is idealism. A pragmatist would have you believe that idealism is simply stargazing and wishful thinking, and pragmatism is action towards real results. But, according to the definition of idealism, doesn’t it sound like idealism can be used to actually accomplish goals? It is the behavior towards a goal. That is idealism. A lot can be accomplished with idealism.
3. Negative says: When valued too highly, idealism is detrimental to society.
Brief: Valuing idealism does not mean valuing bad ideals. If you are not valuing bad ideals, how could valuing idealism be detrimental? Valuing love, justice, truth, and such values cannot be detrimental.
NEGATIVE BRIEFS
1. Affirmative says: If we value idealism above pragmatism, we will take the practical steps in order to achieve our ideals.
Brief: If we value idealism above pragmatism, we will attempt to achieve our ideals. That we will attempt to achieve them practically is another situation entirely. If one really wanted to achieve ideals practically, one wouldn’t mind accepting temporary sacrifices that briefly set one farther away from that ideal. Sometimes a person cannot simply plow on towards an ideal: nowhere in the definition of idealism does it suggest that an idealist pursues his ideals practically. It just says he pursues. A pragmatist pursues ideals too, but he pursues them with practicality, with pragmatism.
2. Affirmative says: Idealism is more valuable than pragmatism.
Brief: My opponent says that idealism is preeminent over, or more valuable than pragmatism. It is untrue that pragmatism is of less value than idealism. My opponent is right in one area, though. Idealism is a necessary part of life. What we need to realize, however, is that pragmatism is just as necessary. Neither is successful without the other; they have a symbiotic relationship. Remember, our resolution is in the context of a conflict (Resolved: when in conflict, idealism ought to be valued above pragmatism). An idealist, or anyone, really, needs pragmatism to simply survive when in conflict. When fighting a war, I’m sure every single successful general that ever held a command would tell you it is important to approach each situation realistically and practically. Anything else would lead to a defeat, a bloodbath, or both. Idealism and pragmatism are both equally necessary when in conflict.
