Philosophy, Ethics, Religion, and Death (oh my!)

In your packets tonight (the ones you received in class today), read the introduction to the section starting on page 483 and continue reading the first two articles through page 489. The first is H.L. Mencken's The Penalty of Death and Coretta Scott King's The Death Penalty is a Step Back.

• Consider the comprehension and rhetoric questions for each of the essays as a barometer of your understanding of the essays (King's questions are on page 490). 
• Using Toulmin again (here's another take on Toulmin), look at the claim(s), data, warrant(s), backing, qualification(s), and refutation(s) for each argument. Which argument is the most compelling? Why do you think so?

Please blog your responses. We'll discuss this briefly after going over the timed writes on Friday.

Examining Arguments

Take a closer look at both The Singer Solution to World Poverty and Lifeboat Ethics: The Case Against Helping the Poor.

Take an emotional step back from each article/position. Remember Toulmin? Use Toulmin's method to get to the heart of each argument.

• How are their warrants and backings different? 
• How are their claims different? Be certain to answer this thoroughly.
• Lastly, what is your position? Why do you take that position? What moral/ethical/philosophical/religious system(s) inform your position?

Please blog your responses.

Joe and Pax, If you're looking for your books so you can do your homework, they were left in my room. You'll have to go over to someone else's house tonight for a study session.

Lifeboat Ethics

Today in class we read The Singer Solution to World Poverty that advocated personal moral responsibility for people all over the world. Now it is time for the counterargument.

Tonight, read Lifeboat Ethics: The Case Against Helping the Poor on pages 324-333 of the TLC book.

Come prepared to discuss both essays in class tomorrow.