KMJ ethics

1. Explain what “to give an argument” means in this book.
The book's definition of "to give an arguement" is to offer a set of reasons or evidence in support of a conclusion. What that means to me is first you need to decide what point it is you are trying to prove. You aren't trying to prove or disprove anyone or anything. Since we all think individually and have different opinions, convincing someone they are right or wrong is nearly impossible. Once you know where it is you stand on an issue, it is important to back up that point with reasons you feel this way. Sometimes it takes evidence to come to a conclusion, and sometimes it can be supported with mearrly opinion.
2. What are the reasons Weston gives in support of his claim, “arguments are essential”?
An argument is important because it is a way of trying to find out which views are stronger and which are weaker. The argument itself helps take careful consideration of all views in order to figure out which is truely the best. Some points can be argued but don't have much behind them to support it. A strongly supported conclusion is easily explained by means of an arguement.
3. Explain why many students tend to “write an essay, but not an argument”.
I think most students tend to write essays instead of arguemnets because writing an essay is much easier. It is what we were taught going through grade school. How many times did we have to write a report on a President or do a report on a class assigned book? It is easy to report known facts already given. Sometimes we may find it hard to reach inside and actually argue an issue. Many times one may rather write an essay out of fear of rejection of their own thoughts.
4. Construct two short arguments (one "for" and one "against") as modeled in the Week 3 Assignment section in Blackboard. Put each one in "elements form".
Issue: Is it ok to shoplift? (small items like makeup etc)
Premises: It is ok to shoplift
Conclusion: It is ok to shoplift because
a) I don't have the money right now and I have bought tons of things at this store in the past.
b) I probably won't get caught because the item is so small
c) There aren't any security tags on it making it easy to hide

Issue: Is it ok to shoplift? (small items like makeup etc)
Premises: It is not ok to shoplift
Conclusion: It is not ok to shoplift because
a) It is illegal and punishable by law
b) Other people work to have money to buy things, I should to
c) It will set bad examples for others around me that may see or know I did it
5. Review the seven rules in chapter one. Briefly discuss how your argument demonstrates that each rule was applied, in the construction of your arguments above.
#1 says to distinguish pemises and conclusion. I did that by asking if it was ok to shoplift and then stated to different scenarios. #2 says that that the ideas be put in a natural order. I put them how I would argue them. #3 says to start from reliable premises. My arguements(more so for the not ok argument) are relaible. #4 says to be clear. Most of my arguments are clear. I did have some that could be opinion...noted :) #5 says not to use loaded language. I didn't mock any side here so I think I'm good. #6 says to use consisent terms. I didn't get in to full arguement with my conclusions, however I feel that they could be easily argued. #7 says to stick to one meaning for each term. I may have bounced around a little :/
6. Review the three rules in the appendix named, “Definitions”. In your own words, discuss how you took these rules into consideration as you constructed your arguments.
The rules in the appendix state to be specific, work from actual cases, and not to use definitions to do all the work. Looking back after I posted my arguments, they were more ideas as to how an argument can start to be analyized. Some of them are specific, some of them I can use actual cases to argue, and none of them were arguments. If researched a little better I think this could be a good arguement.
7. Good posts demonstrate:
Sincere reflection, effort, and analysis
Answers that are substantial (at least one large paragraph each)
Consistent mention, citation, and integration of the assigned readings (explained in YOUR own words, though)
Correct spelling, grammar, and punctuation
Correctly titled posts!
How many points do you honestly feel your post this week deserves? Justify your answer.
I did a lot of reading and think I did pretty good on the first couple of questions. The argument question could have been done a little better. I was looking at it as more of an approach method to my conclusion. I hope for the best.