We have the opportunity to construct an ethical argument about a debatable issue/situation. The essay will be approximately 3-5 pages, incorporate at least six credible sources into the discussion (one of which comes from primary research), and include a Works Cited page. Note: Any essay without a works cited page will have the overall grade lowered by one letter.
Rationale:
The skills used in this assignment are essential conducting research relevant to the scope of inquiry, analyzing and processing information, applying interpretative strategies, synthesizing relevant and connected information, and creating a discussion based on a controlling idea (thesis).
Process:
1. Research and select a debatable issue youre interested in. You may want to access the following link to help select a topic: https://www.procon.org/
2. Examine a current, specific situation that illustrates the issue.
3. Determine an ethical principle by which to analyze the situation. That is, what is the set of values in which you make a conclusion about the situation?
4. Construct a thesis that presents your overall perspective. That is, whats your stance on the issue?
5. Using the four pillars of argument (Chapter 1), construct a 3-5 page ethical argument in which you present and support your perspective about the situation with sound reasoning and appropriate research information.
Essay Organization/Structure:
Because this essay is arranged deductively, well use the following structure:
Introductory paragraph(s): Provide an engaging lead, establish the ethical principle by which to analyze the situation, and state your thesis.
Body paragraphs:
1st paragraph: Provide background information about the situation. That is, what information does the reader need to know to generally understand the situation?
2nd paragraph: Provide a significant example(s) that illustrates the situation and present information or evidence that shows this.
3rd-5th paragraphs: For each paragraph, provide a transition, a topic sentence that presents a reason that supports your thesis, and evidence/reasoning that supports your point.
6th paragraph: Present and refute an opposing argument(s) against your thesis. That is, what is a main opposing view(s) and how is this perspective bad or wrong or misinformed?
Conclusion: Provide an ending that wraps up the discussion rather than summarizes it.
Keep in Mind:
We must be clear and specific situation were analyzing. For instance, protesting is a general topic whereas NFL players kneeling during the National Anthem is specific. Likewise, decriminalizing marijuana is much broader than a state putting forth a policy for decriminalizing marijuana.
Also, we must apply a clear ethical principle to analyze the situation. Keep in mind that the argument is based on whether or not the situation conforms to a particular moral law/belief or whether or not the situation will result in something beneficial. And remember that the ethical principle should be self-evident to the reader, so we should select a principle that is widely agreed upon.
Lastly, because were ethically analyzing a situation, the thesis statement needs to indicate one of the following: 1) whether something should or shouldnt be done, 2) whether something is right or wrong, or 3) whether something is good or bad.
Below are examples of possible thesis statements:
1. The federal minimum wage should be increased to $15 per hour.
2. Requiring wealthier Americans to pay more in taxes in wrong.
3. Providing low-income families with sustainable housing is beneficial.
Effective Essay:
An effective essay will have the following characteristics:
A narrowed scope and a clear sense of purpose and focus
Background information that presents enough detail to understand the situation
A clearly identifiable thesis
Topic sentences that present the main points