Essay 5
Developing a moral argument in response to another writer’s argument.
Turn in essays through the submission link in the Assignments folder.
Due Dec 14
Length: 1200 words minimum is a rough estimate of what it will take, but this varies
for each person.
Assignment:
From among the assigned articles to select from for the essay, choose one that argues
for a point of view that you disagree with. In response to the article, construct an
argument against the author and for your own view on the issue that is based on two
from: utilitarianism, deontology, or virtue ethics.
Choose one from: Lawrence, Boxill, Cox, Carens, Trachtenberg, Devall & Sessions,
or Cohen.
Penalty for the use of sources other than the textbook, handouts, and lecture
(aka. “outside sources”). If an essay appears to use any outside sources, even if the
use is not word for word, or flagged by turnitin.com, the essay will be returned without
grade for a redo. The redo will count as late.
Reasonable suspicion that AI was used will also result in zero credit.
Requirements and basis for assessment:
• A fair and critical evaluation of the author’s argument, and use of that argument
as a counter-argument, which includes making a strong case for it.
• Coherent argument for your own view on the issue, in which logical connections
between ideas are clearly presented and explained.
• Well-developed use of two universalist moral theories (virtue ethics,
utilitarianism, or deontology), in your own argument or the counter-argument,
with justification and explanation. Use of other concepts from Chapter 1 as they
apply.
• Adequate response to significant aspects of the author’s argument that have a
bearing on your argument.
• Use of examples.
• Your own thought and creativity in making your argument.
• See “Standard Essay Requirements”.
Critical evaluation
In order to explain what’s wrong with someone’s argument, one must be able to explain
their actual argument. What are the premises, subconclusions, and main conclusion?
What moral theories does the author employ (explicitly or implicitly) and how? What
justification is given? Why is the argument plausible even if mistaken?
Build your argument around the author’s counter-argument.
A good critique presents an argument in the best possible light before explaining
what’s wrong with it. Refuting a straw man does not establish credibility, but showing
you can take on the strongest argument and improve upon its logic does. The better the
case you make for your opponent’s view, the more effective your own argument can be.
The pro and con become two parts of one whole.
Incorporating moral theory: For example, you may find that an author’s use of
utilitarian considerations is reasonable, but that deontology leads to a different
conclusion, one that you favor. In that case, explain why the author’s utilitarian
argument is reasonable, but why we should give more weight to deontological
considerations. Or, you may find that an author’s utilitarian reasoning is flawed, and that
under utilitarianism, your position is more justified. Always remember to explain
“Why”.
Trouble finding someone to disagree with? You may agree with the author’s
general position on an issue while disagreeing with the author’s way of arguing for it.
Perhaps a different kind of moral reasoning would be better. What is wrong with the
author’s approach, and why is yours better?
Format: MLA or APA
Quotes and Paraphrasing: Points will be taken off for inadequate
paraphrasing, over use of quotes, over-reliance on an author’s way of presenting
the ideas, and when an essay consists of too much summary and not enough
argument.
Always remember: It is important that assertion not substitute for argument. Even
if you use a claim made by the textbook or your professor, it must still be supported by
an argument. Always remember to answer the question: “Why should anyone else
agree with me?” OR “What is the justification for my belief?”
Note the naturalistic fallacy, Chapter 1, p7. Whether the derivation of an ought from an
is (a normative claim from a descriiption) is in-itself a fallacy can be debated. However,
what surely is a fallacy is to make a claim about what should be the case on the basis of
what is the case without providing justification. Facts do not speak for themselves.
To understand a concept is to be able to use it in a creative way consistent with its
customary meaning. When you write an essay you both develop and demonstrate your
understanding of a subject. The first has the greater value for self-becoming. The second
forms the basis of a grade. An over use of quotes and an over-reliance on the text
(inadequate paraphrase, too much summary, even too much paraphrasing when it is an
adequate paraphrase) demonstrate a lack of understanding. Getting concepts right shows
a level of understanding. But greater understanding is shown by the use of concepts in a
creative line of reasoning that works toward a single thesis, i.e., an argument, which entails
making connections between ideas and justifying those connections and the inferences that
are said to follow.