Week #3 Ethics Blog Assignment

1. Explain what “to give an argument” means in this book.

The author points out that an argument does not have to be a verbal fist fight like many people think. A good argument is not pointless and does not have to be unpleasant. He described an argument as taking a position in a matter and supporting that position with relevant ideas and facts. He establishes the fact that a good argument must be supported by sound reasoning which makes it easier to defend.

2. What are the reasons Weston gives in support of his claim, “arguments are essential”?

Arguments support your conclusion with evidence. They also give reasons for your conclusions. Arguments should not be viewed as a fight, they serve a valid purpose by making people understand your view.

3. Explain why many students tend to “write an essay, but not an argument”.

The author makes the point that his book is meant to be a rulebook for teachers and students. It is intended to be brief and concise, and easily referenced when critiquing another person’s work. He believes that many students have not written good arguments because they did not understand the assignment and they had not been given the proper tools and formatting techniques that he provides in his book.

4. Construct two short arguments (one "for" and one "against") as modeled in the Week 3 Assignment section in Blackboard. Put each one in "elements form".

ARGUMENT FOR PRIVACY FOR POLITICAL FIGURES
Arguable issue: Whether or not political figures have the right to privacy that the rest of the public has.
Conclusion: Political figures should have the same right to privacy as all the rest of our citizens have.
Premises: Political figures should have the right to privacy because:

1) It was the person that we elected, not their entire family.
2) The political figure has no control over what his family members do any more that you or I have.
3) Not everything needs to be public knowledge – if it has no bearing on their job performance then it should remain private.


ARGUMENT AGAINST PRIVACY FOR POLITICAL FIGURES
Arguable issue: Whether or not political figures have the right to privacy that the rest of the public has.
Conclusion: Political figures should not have private lives once elected to office.
Premises: Political figures should not have private lives once elected to office because :

1) It is always fun to read and hear about the “dirty laundry” of political figures.
2) We really need to know “what goes on behind closed doors”.
3) How they run their personal lives is indicative of how they will do their jobs.

5. Review the seven rules in chapter one. Briefly discuss how your argument demonstrates that each rule was applied, in the construction of your arguments above.

1) Distinguish premise and conclusion. There is no doubt that my premise and conclusions were understandable to anyone who can read.
2) Present your ideas in a natural order. I followed the order given in the example and believe it follows a natural order.
3) Start from reliable premise. My premise makes for a good argument.
4) Be concrete and concise. I was careful to keep my sentences short and as much alike as possible to avoid straying from the point.
5) Avoid loaded language. I only used words that were simple and commonly used.
6) Use consistent terms. I went back and corrected my conclusion and premise to make them more consistent like the ones in the example.
7) Stick to one meaning for each term. I believe that I did that by being specific in my premise and conclusion.

6. Review the three rules in the appendix named, “Definitions”. In your own words, discuss how you took these rules into consideration as you constructed your arguments.

I used clear but common language that I thought everyone could understand and would have no doubt what I was talking about. I did not use words that could have more than one meaning to people.

7. Good posts demonstrate:

• Sincere reflection, effort, and analysis
• Answers that are substantial (at least one large paragraph each)
• Consistent mention, citation, and integration of the assigned readings (explained in YOUR own words, though)
• Correct spelling, grammar, and punctuation
• Correctly titled posts!
How many points do you honestly feel your post this week deserves? Justify your answer.
I think that the volume of work for this post is definitely worthy of the 25 points allowed. I feel that the assignment was thoroughly reviewed and completed as directed.