In chapter 8, the authors discuss values in argumentation. All arguments have values in their developments and may serve as support for claims or be claims themselves. Also, a value maybe implicit or explicit, but is distinctive of an individual or group. Furthermore, values are the grounds and warrants by which decision makers use to aid in their decisions making processes. The section that I found to be the most interesting in the reading was values and science in argumentation. Scientific argument explains how physical, biological, human, and social entities function and interact, in essence showing that there is some order to phenomena. The values of science are order, usefulness, prediction, rationality, and knowledge. So, I found this section of the reading to be the most interesting because I am most likely to believe an argument if it is support by science. I am most likely to believe these arguments because scientific evidence must undergo many processes and evaluations in order to be considered valid. Furthermore, I am intrigued by the sphere of science and the sphere of religion contrasting one another. None of the value terms of one are found in the other. So because there is no overlap between the two spheres, the two spheres have completely different roles and often become a secondary value system to the other. However, I am curious to further investigate if there are some overlaps possible between the spheres of religion and science.
Chapter five focuses primarily on identifying and developing propositions for problems that people think are relevant. It goes over 6 steps for choosing a valid proposition based on a perceived “feeling of doubt.” While all six steps may not be necessary, the collectively ensure a well thought out and firm proposition. The six steps include identifying the question, surveying implicated objectives (or understanding what is the goal accomplishment in regard to the question), searching for new information, considering alternative options, considering costs and risks of each potential proposition, and then finally choosing one of the propositions. The authors then go on to talk about analyzing and strengthening the proposition chosen. This includes identification and ranking of the issues that the proposition addresses as well as understanding how the decision makers will react to these issues and propositions. In general, with all these methods of critically analyzing the proposition, ...
While reading this chapter, I was also very intrigued by values in scientific argument. In particular, I was interested in the concept of rationality, and how it played a part in argumentation. The authors define rationality as relating “directly to the assumption that order exists” (Rieke, Sillars, & Peterson, 135). Simply put, people who make rational arguments assume that there is inherently a certain way that our world operates. Moreover, these processes and operations can be revealed through scientific and methodological studies. For example, people who argue for raising the minimum age of purchasing cigarettes from 18 to 21 might use scientific data to show that raising the minimum age reduces the likelihood of teen smoking. People persuaded by rationality will understand that these studies are concrete pieces of evidence that are not up to personal interpretation.
ReplyDeleteIn your post, you also mentioned how values might inadvertently clash. For example, scientific values are sometimes confronted by religious values. While reading the chapter, I thought of another way that values could conflict with each other. The text mentions that most American politicians are guided by the enlightenment value system. Embedded within the system are the values of freedom and personal liberties. Going back to the debate on the purchase of cigarettes, it is clear that raising the minimum age to 21 has measurable health benefits that are backed by science. However, such scientific evidence might clash with the values of personal freedoms. Supporters of keeping the age at 18 might argue that adults over the age of 18 are endowed with the freedom to make decisions for their own lives. Hence, they oppose stricter restrictions on what adults can or cannot do. This is a typical example of how values can clash, and it will be interesting to see whether the federal government raises the minimum purchase age in the future.
Sources:
Rieke, R.D., Sillars, M.O., & Peterson, T.R. (2013). Argumentation and critical decision making. 8th ed., New York: Pearson.