Theory Practice of Argument Week 10 Argument Types

Theory & Practice of Argument Week 10: Argument Types & Tests

Everyday, It Seems As Though Some New Issue Arises…and We Have Decisions Herrick’s examples: Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) Equitable distribution vs. quality i. Phones & constant earbuds (volume) Personal rights vs. hearing loss Prof. Bullinger’s examples: Music sampling / mashup culture Authorship vs. technology / nothing is original Mandatory military service Citizen army / duty vs. militarism

Pragmatic Arguments argument that recommends or discourages a course of action on the basis of its practical consequences. Common in debates over rules, regulations, and laws Prof. Bullinger’s example: Ithaca College has a big parking problem. Pragmatic argument: Ithaca, NY is very small, Ithaca, NY has a very good bus system, most students either live on campus or close to campus. Thus, freshman and sophomores should not be allowed to have cars on campus.

Pragmatic Arguments cont. Herrick’s example: We spend WAY too much on healthcare costs. Pragmatic argument: reduce sodium intake, increase exercise lose ten pounds get blood pressure checked annually

How to Test the Pragmatic Argument #1 Is the action in question likely to have the suggested consequences? Healthcare: if the patient feels it is easy, and sees immediate benefit, or scared enough about future, perhaps IC Parking: Parents or Gov. paying $200, 000 / 4 years, middle-class or upper-middle class values of automobile ownership, inclement weather, college’s competitive desire to attract and retain students – probably not going to happen.

How to Test the Pragmatic Argument #2 Will the proposed action have serious undesirable consequences? Healthcare: not really, if even 26% of target audience followed your directions, their health would improve and economy would save money. Only negative is if you’re backing insurance companies or food businesses. IC Parking: potentially big consequences. IC develops a reputation as a school with “silly rules” and first-year enrollment drops considerably.

How to Test the Pragmatic Argument #3 Does the proposed action violate an important principle? Healthcare: not really, unless you say “personal freedom” is more important than medical mandates. It’s true you have the right to kill yourself via salty pork products, but hopefully you wouldn’t want to. (NYC soda restrictions) IC Parking: Unless you count “attracting tuition and meal plans” a major principle, then no. In fact, I’d argue the over parking violates the original campus design plan principle of buildings as the “inner ring” with parking lots the “outer ring”.

Arguing Comparative Advantages counter strategies to pragmatic arguments: you argue that an alternative course of action carries greater advantages than the proposed plan does. Healthcare: “I know it is a pain in the ass to limit sodium, exercise more, lose only 10 pounds and go to the doctor more, BUT if you do so, the economy is stronger, you won’t be taxed as much, + less heartburn, your knees won’t hurt as much, lighter on your feet, and have better relationships in your life.

Arguing Comparative Advantages cont. IC Parking: “I know you like to have your own car to go to Wegman’s, or to drive home all the time, but one of the benefits of Ithaca is that it is a small town that is very walkable with or without the bus. When we have unnecessary cars, it creates unpleasant congestion, very little parking on campus, and unnecessary expenses for students (gas, insurance, maintenance). Plus, we can create stronger bonds between lower and upper classman through car sharing programs. ”

Arguments from Principle we should abide by values, principles, and duties, and avoid actions that violate the same. May appeal to values freedom, justice, or equality.

Arguments from Principle Classic military or sci-fi episode plot: Protagonist speaking to Guest-Star of the Week: “Admiral, you know DAMN WELL we signed that treaty in good faith! It has kept the peace for 35 years. You willingly broke it by pursuing this research. ” Guest-Star: “You’re goddamn right I broke it! That treaty has kept us weak for thirty-years – besides YOU KNOW they haven’t kept their word either. I’m just leveling the playing field – I’m a hero!”

Testing the Argument from Principle #1 Is the principle relevant to the issue under discussion? Standardized testing should include English vocabulary component Principle: all U. S. students should have proficiency in English A student athlete’s grade should be severely lowered if she misses significant class time Principle: academics should always come before athletics at University

Testing the Argument from Principle #2 Does the proposed action in fact violate the principle at issue? Standardized testing: if you agree with the principle, then no. The testing would seem to support it. Student Athlete: if you agree with the principle, then no, you would have no issue with the grade being lowered.

Testing the Argument from Principle #3 Do other considerations outweigh this principle? Standardized testing: What are the consequences of this testing for the student’s future? If too weighted, you might hurt great students whose English is weak. Student Athlete: Student may never have wanted to go to college; her coaches might be giving her terrible ideas, she might be handling (badly) terrible performance pressures.

Arguments from Quantity affirms certain numerical considerations as an index of significance From this you can use numbers to underline the problem Or you can use these numbers as a basis for your hypothesis Or small changes leads major consequences

How to Test the Argument from Quantity 1. Is the quantity claim accurate? 2. Are other considerations more important than quantity?

Testing the Argument from Quality 1. is the indicated quality actually present 2. is the quality more clearly represented elsewhere? 3. Do other concerns outweigh this quality

Arguments from Quality an argument that affirms the inherent value in unique, the beautiful, the rare, or the unusual.