...Famine, Affluence, and Morality PHI208 Daniel Beteta March 25, 2013 Famine, Affluence, and Morality Giving to charity usually is viewed as a generous act, most people who give to charitable causes are held in high regard and thought of as good people, the question peter singer is asking us to consider in the article “Famine, Affluence, and Morality” is where is the moral grey area between charity and obligation when it comes to giving up what we have for others. Who in society decides what is good but not wrong to not do as charity is considered. I can achieve this by looking at Singers arguments, counterarguments and concept of marginal utility while comparing how duty and charity change in the article. The article opens by detailing the famine East Bengal is experiencing in 1971 in details and lists the causes of the Famine, and the number of refugees that amounts to roughly 9 million. Then he lists the affluent nations who are doing basically nothing to help these people, the citizens are not donating or protesting and the governments even if giving to the relief are not doing enough. “Generally speaking, people have not given large sums to relief funds; they have not written to their parliamentary representatives demanding increased government assistance; they have not demonstrated in the streets, held symbolic fasts, or done anything else directed toward providing there refugees with the means to satisfy their essential needs.”(Singer, 1972) From the start his...
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..._________________________________________________________________________________________________ Body The writer should clearly state his/her reasons at the beginning of every section of support, then provide ample evidence to support those claims in the form of specific examples, details, observations, reasoning, etc. Does the writer provide enough evidence to convince you that his/her reasons are true? If yes, what evidence is presented to persuade you of the writer's claims? Author provides enough evidence through multiple statistics that have proven beneficial results, caution against smoked vs vaporized which have showed more medical improvement. If not, describe what sort of evidence the writer would need to provide in order to convince you. Counterargument(s) At some point the writer should name an opponent, represent their argument fully and fairly, make concessions that show areas of agreement, and...
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...Commonplaces Folder One objective of the AP Language class is to help students become informed, critical citizens. You are therefore expected to take up mature, well-reasoned and supported positions in your writing. In order to do this it is crucial that one become aware of opposing viewpoints on any given topic, acknowledging their respective merits and noting their respective drawbacks, always keeping an open mind and allowing your position to shift and gain nuance . Classically, an argument is not considered complete until the opposing positions are discussed, conceded to, and possibly refuted. In your Commonplaces Folder, you will gather articles that participate in arguments relevant to informed, democratic citizens. This ongoing collection will provide material, background knowledge, and perspective on current events, an essential for the AP exam, and to a functioning democracy. Each entry will consist of: 1) A hard copy of the article/column, no more than two months old, and at least two pages (Times New Roman, 12 pt, single spaced). It cannot be a straight news story. It must be taking on a current topic that is of some importance locally, nationally, or globally and address opposing viewpoints. Feature and op-ed articles are a good place to look. 2) An objective summary paragraph that clearly articulates the articles main points. The topic sentence should include the title, author, and source. Is the article taking up one position or discussing multiple...
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...Are we right or Are we wrong? Erie Griffin PHI 200 Mind and Machine Instructor: Eszter Barra-Johnson January 5, 2013 Abstract This paper observes how self-indulgence, moral norms and unconscious choices affect third world countries inability to provide an adequate amount of food, medical care and sheltering. Peter Singer suggests different arguments that he believes should reduce the lack thereof in certain areas of the world. He counter argues the issues that were address in the article providing detail information of why there are considered invalid. However, Singer demands change from individuals who are not willingly to adapt to the new principle of producing wealthy and profitable countries. Explain Singer’s goal in this article, and then present his argument in relation to this issue. Zarri stated, (as cited in Singer, 207, p.505) that Singer’s goal in “Famine, Affluence and Morality” is to present the argument that individuals who live in affluent counties should drastically change their views of life and their notion of principles so that they will develop a form of loyalty to helping assisting those who reside in third world countries” (Zarri 2012),. He began his argument by focusing on the deprivation issue Bengal had in 1971, where people were dying from starvation, proper sheltering and limited medical care. According to Singer (1972), he constitutes his argument with two principles: “Suffering and death from lack of food, shelter, and medical care are...
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...Famine, Affluence, and Morality Giving to charity usually is viewed as a generous act, most people who give to charitable causes are held in high regard and thought of as good people, the question peter singer is asking us to consider in the article “Famine, Affluence, and Morality” is where is the moral grey area between charity and obligation when it comes to giving up what we have for others. Who in society decides what is good but not wrong to not do as charity is considered. I can achieve this by looking at Singers arguments, counterarguments and concept of marginal utility while comparing how duty and charity change in the article. The article opens by detailing the famine East Bengal is experiencing in 1971 in details and lists the causes of the Famine, and the number of refugees that amounts to roughly 9 million. Then he lists the affluent nations who are doing basically nothing to help these people, the citizens are not donating or protesting and the governments even if giving to the relief are not doing enough. “Generally speaking, people have not given large sums to relief funds; they have not written to their parliamentary representatives demanding increased government assistance; they have not demonstrated in the streets, held symbolic fasts, or done anything else directed toward providing there refugees with the means to satisfy their essential needs.”(Singer, 1972) From the start his first argument is that of the drowning child, he states that if he sees a...
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...algorithmically personalized content. By referencing these research studies Mr. Hosanagar is attempting to appeal to his audience’s ethos by proving he is a credible source to be speaking on this topic. Once he begins discussing the topic of the paper he makes a point to distinguish the difference between how an iTunes algorithm for generating personalized content is different from what Facebook does to appeal to our political curiosity. I believe this deliberate point to distinguish the difference between these companies was an attempt to address a possible rebuttal. The point in which he describes this rebuttal in the paper doesn’t appear to be the direct result of a conclusion that he drew regarding his argument. He is simply stating this counterargument early before making his own conclusions. The author draws in conclusions from other authors and even questions their conclusions within his own writing such as how Facebook’s researches concluding that the creation of user’s echo chambers was simply user error. The author does commit a logical fallacy towards the end of his paper. He states the phrase, “That doesn’t mean you and I are acquitted.” After explaining that Facebook’s feed favors our friends which is a problem that encourages echo chambers (since we are generally friends with like-minded people). When the author that the reader is above these individuals lost in the endless vacuum of the echo chamber, he is either attempting to flatter us or try and fool us with an in-crowd...
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...Dinosaurs and the Bible There is widespread controversy about dinosaurs: When did they roam the earth? Did they coexist with humans? Why did they go extinct? These are common questions that evolutionists and creationists alike try to explain. In the article “Dinosaurs and the Bible” Ken Ham tries to explain biblically these common questions about dinosaurs. He explains that in the school systems today, we are taught that dinosaurs lived millions of year ago and went extinct before humans were even on the earth. Ham then refutes this by explaining that dinosaurs did in fact exist with humans, and using the bible as his reference proves his point. According to the language of this article, it seems that this article is aimed at a reader who isn’t knowledgeable on the subject. He uses simple language, and gives additional explanations for certain concepts of evolution, and ideas that he uses. This aids in the comprehension of the beliefs that Ham proposes. Ham certainly proves his credibility throughout by giving multiple scripture passages, and using the evolutionist theories to strengthen his statements. He clearly explains his beliefs in a convincing way. He also raises many common questions, and then gives a logical answer that fits perfectly with his ideas. However, there could have been more counter arguments to further back up the statements made by Ham. In the conclusion of the article, Ham gives the gospel message, which could possibly be viewed...
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...h essay Argumentative Research Essay Introduction Description When you write an argumentative essay, you investigate a controversial issue (considering both sides), determine which side you favour, and argue using evidence and examples both to support your claims and to refute counter-arguments. A controversial (or contentious) issue is one that is debatable and has a logical counter-argument. An argumentative research essay formalizes the way you gather your supporting evidence. Purpose When you write an argumentative essay, you want to make your readers agree with your stance on an issue (i.e., to persuade them). You may also wish to make your readers act on the issue, in which case you will have to specify what they should do. Audience To reinforce for your readers your credibility (ethos), you will * employ a formal tone * include much evidence from outside sources to support your arguments * analyse these arguments in depth You should consider whether or not your audience is familiar with the issue. If not, you will have to provide more background information than you would for a knowing audience. You should gauge your readers’ stance on the issue. Are they * supportive? (i.e., do they agree with your stance?) * hostile? (i.e., do they disagree with your stance?) * wavering? (i.e., have they yet to take a stance on the issue?) Your readers’ stance will influence the amount and kinds of evidence you will need to support your arguments. Topic ...
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...“Famine, Affluence, & Mortality” – Peter Singer Shelly Fowler PHI208 – Ethics & Moral Reasoning Instructor Robert Vaughan May 13, 2013 “Famine, Affluence, & Mortality” – Peter Singer Singer spoke about how this South Asian territory of Bengal was suffering from starvation. He sheds light on the devastating state of the Bengali people who were then known as refugees. The pressure is put on the reader to acknowledge not only the people who around you who needs help, but to assist people who you may not ever come in contact with as well. If the reader had not ever heard of the Bengal Relief Fund, they definitely left with the mindset of making a change to help these people whom they may never see in their lives. There were a few counter arguments that Singer faced within the reading. One was how wealthy countries should change their point of view in helping cripple and famine third world countries. He wanted to create a sense of urgency and loyalty to these people by shedding light on their lack of food, shelter, and medical supplies. Rich countries should take some form of accountability in helping these people even if it means they have to cut back on some of their own fibulas spending habits. Taking care of our own neighbor and forgetting about people whom we cannot see nor touch should be a thought process of the past. Our societies focus on the luxuries in life while we should be focusing on saving a life. Another counter argument Singer spoke upon was...
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...nmFC503 Essay Planning Worksheet This worksheet will help you prepare for the essay-planning writing task due in Lesson 9.1. Essay title: Task 1: Analyse the question What do you understand by the expression “To what extent do you agree with this claim”? What topic is your question based upon? Explain this topic using your own words. What are the key words in your title? Re-write your title using simple language. What is it asking you to argue? Task 2: Read background information and make notes Topic – definition and background information: Ideas for your essay (which areas of the question are you going to focus on?): Task 3: Define two sides of the argument From your initial reading, you will find that information can be categorised into two different sides of an argument. Make notes on these arguments. One side of the argument The other side of the argument Task 4: Decide on your stance From reading and categorising information about your essay topic, you should now be able to decide on your stance. You should state your stance in the introduction and then use it as your argument throughout the essay. Stance = Task 5: Arguments/Counter-arguments/Refutations Now you have your stance, you can organise your information into supporting arguments and counter-arguments. To make your essay more persuasive, and therefore stronger, you will also need to include refutations (information that makes the counter-arguments...
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...Argumentative Essay The Aim : * To convince or persuade the reader * To change the reader’s mind and convince the reader to agree with the point of view or claim o the writer. So an argumentative essay needs to be highly persuasive and logical. The Generic Structure : * Argumentation The act or process of forming reasons, drawing conclusions, and applying them to a case in discussion. * Refutation The process of discrediting the arguments that oppose your thesis statement * Proponent Someone who argues in favor of something; advocate * Opponent A person who disagrees with something and speaks agains it * Counter Argument Point or statement in opposition to the argument being made in a written documentor speech * Pro Argument Point or statement that supports one’s ideas and/or thesis Goal of Argumentative Essay * Present an opinion on a controversial topic to the reader; * Explain, clarify and illustrate that opinion; * Persuade the reader that the opinion supported in the essay is valid by : a. Moving the reader to action; b. Convincing the reader that the opinions is correct, or c. Persuading the reader that the o[onion is at least worth considering; * Support the opinion by means of giving evidence: facts, examples, physical description, support of authority, and statistics; * Present counter arguments to the thesis and refute them respectfully and critically. The procedure to make an Argumentative...
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...Hit the books! Is it better to be book smart or street smart? This question of what we consider to be intellectualism; Gerald Graff goes on to explains this through his the Chapter “Hidden Intellectualism” in his book Clueless in Academic: How Schooling Obscures the Life of the Mind. I agree with Graff’s point about how teachers should try to get students more engaged in schoolwork using subjects students find interesting. Graff clarifies how being intelligent is not only about being academically smart, but also being “street smart”, using his own experiences. At the beginning of his chapter, Hidden Intellectualism Graff says, “We assume that it’s possible to wax intellectual about Plato, Shakespeare, the French Revolution, and nuclear fission, but not about cars, dating, fashion, sports, TV, or video games.” (245). What I believe Graff is trying to convey is, how it is viewed more important to know what started the French Revolution, than it is to know how to keep a conversation going, even when the two people have nothing in common. Although keeping up conversation would not be viewed as non-academic, but could very well be used to give presentations or speeches in class or in a debate. Graff goes on to offer his own experience of his youth. He describes himself as a typical anti-intellectual teenager that preferred sports to schoolwork. He explains how intellectualism was treated very hostile in the 1950’s and because of that he tried avoiding seeming book smart. He explains...
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...to a small amount of women, but not all women in general. She also uses fallacies and other rhetorical devices throughout her speech. She uses moral reasoning within her speech particularly when she used the phrase, “religious scruples” and when she refers to those who oppose birth control and refers to them as a “group who are diseased and feeble-minded”. Her use of words not only evokes emotion, but implies the need to take action. One way Sanger addresses arguments and counterarguments is when she brings up the point of the two sexes “mixing together.” She also brings up the point that the people who oppose birth control are the same people who were opposed to women working outside of the home or mingling with the opposite sex. But, Sanger also points out that these same people had no objections to women to women intermingling with men when they attend church. Sanger accomplishes in this counterargument the double standard that I put on women. She successfully shows in her counterargument that women were allowed certain freedoms, and seeing that women could handle those freedoms, they most certainly could handle the freedom to choose to practice...
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...Critical Analysis and Writing 1 Critical Analysis: What What to do: • Analyse decisions made by business people • Understand their rationale (reasons for making that particular decision) • Provide recommendations about future actions 2 Critical Analysis: Why 1. Learn to solve complex problems 2. Deal with the unexpected 3. Persuading others Descriptive Analytical Critical Analysis Persuasive 3 Critical Analysis and Writing Key steps: 1. Understand the question and context 2. Conduct research and analyse the situation 3. Develop possible solutions and evaluate options 4. Recommend a course of action and argue for it What is the questions asking? What information are we missing? What does analysis suggest? What else do we know? What do we need to research? What is happening to the business? What are the possible options? Which one’s are better? State your recommendations Build an argument to support them 4 1. Understand the question and context What is the question actually asking? What is happening? When? Who is involved? What are the facts? Do we have additional information about the case? What is our deliverable? 5 Critical Analysis Example : Food wars You are a junior strategy analyst at Coles. Given the recent controversy around food discounting (Food wars), you have been asked by senior management to provide a recommendation as to whether Coles should continue the discounting or not. In your answer...
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...Peter Singer – “Famine, Affluence, and Morality” Dora Crawford Prof. David Tredinnick 12/19/2012 When it comes to the article "Famine, Affluence, and Morality" mostly argues about not one but more than several things. In some point most people can agree with his arguments unlike others whom may not see his point of view. One of these arguments was lack of food. This was brought up or inspired by the starvation of Bangladesh his main focus was that if one can use one's wealth to reduce suffering for example, by aiding famine-relief efforts without any significant reduction in the well-being of oneself or others, it is immoral not to do so. According to Singer, such inaction is clearly immoral. If a child is drowning in a shallow pond and someone can save it but chooses not to; nor does placing greater geographical distance between the person in need and the potential helper reduce the latter's moral obligations. “It makes no difference whether the person I can help is a neighbor's child ten yards away from me or a Bengali whose name I shall never know, ten thousand miles away. The moral point of view requires us to look beyond the interests of our own society. Previously, this may hardly have been feasible, but it is quite feasible now. From the moral point of view, the prevention of the starvation of millions of people outside our society must be considered at least as pressing as the upholding of property norms within our society.” Singers main...
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