This means that there are standards of value by which position you or I happen to prefer, but which of our positions is more justified and defensible. Your skill value debating will be greatly enhanced if you know how to analyze moral arguments. Most moral arguments can be reduced to a basic pattern known as the deductive syllogism. Understanding this simple logical device will enable you to build a stronger case, as well as criticize your opponent more effectively. This is where the deductive syllogism comes in handy.
All men are mortal.
Therefore, Socrates is mortal. When the conclusion follows necessarily from the premises in this way, the argument is said to be valid. Moral arguments can be analyzed in a similar fashion. Military conscription is a form of involuntary servitude. Therefore, military conscription is immoral.