DEALING WITH ETHOS Some ethical appeals for the argument (especially the in-class one)
THE ETHICAL APPEAL Unlike the Logical Appeal, the Ethic does not depend on fact and formula, but instead on pattern and result. To test an ethic we observe the consistency and result (positive or negative) of a given pattern- usually an example of the pattern.
THE ETHICAL APPEAL (CONTINUED) Because of this pattern, or archetype search, the most common form of ethical argument is by providing your audience with examples. The contest then becomes provide the best, most clear, and most convincing examples for your audience (essentially getting them to ethically identify with your position). Ethics are really useful in that while they can be disputed the are never truly wrong only worse or better for a given situation.
TYPES OF EXAMPLES FOR THE ETHICAL ARGUMENT Arguing the analogy: this is a very general and essential concept for the ethical argument. You must establish that one situation applies to another in specific ways thus its results are relevant to the argument at hand. Literary Example: this is the use of literature. Whether you are quoting from a work for an analytical purpose, or to build evidence for an argumentative point, there is a trust in the use of literature.
TYPES OF EXAMPLES FOR THE ETHICAL ARGUMENT Historical Example: History, used accurately, builds wonderful ethos. Figures/Characters: Historical figures/characters and their actions/beliefs can help solidify a position. They can also be used to show the negative side to an argument (Hitler, Stalin, Bieber). Events: specific events can be used to prove a point or strengthen your overall position. Make sure that, as you use the event, you explicitly connect it to your stance. Patterns: use historical patterns (events that are similar) to discus why something will or has happened.
TYPES OF EXAMPLES FOR THE ETHICAL ARGUMENT Contemporary Cultural Example: connect with the here and now. Celebrity celebrities are recognisable figures that can help prove a point, give credibility to an issue (example: Rihanna singing about spousal abuse). Government: do we even need to explain this? The government and all it does can be used as credible, albeit deranged, sources. Television/ Film: storylines and messages from television and film can be used to help support an argument. (example: The Fault in Our Stars is a great source for an argument on cancer research). Popular Figures: like celebrities, popular figures give instant recognition to an argument.
IN THIS EXAMPLE, WE SEE HOW THE WRITER SHOWS HOW HE HAS CONDUCTED CAREFUL RESEARCH Jeremy Bentham says that the foundation of what is good rests on those which bring the greatest happiness to the greatest number. Picking up from where Bentham left, John Stuart Mill further argued that, more than mere happiness, spiritual and intellectual pleasures outweigh physical pleasures. But as far as the philosophy of Utilitarianism is concerned, things do not simply end there. Act Utilitarians contend that the consequences of our actions should be the determining factor of what is good. On the other hand, Rule Utilitarians argue that the rules governing our actions should be the ultimate guidelines for identifying what is good from otherwise.