How does the book define “ambiguity” and why is it important to identify any ambiguous terms before evaluating an argument

• Ambiguity refers to the existence of multiple possible meanings for a word or phrase. its important to understand the meaning in how it supports an authors claims

Why are dictionary definitions of key terms and phrases used in an argument often not sufficiently helpful in determining their meaning?

• Because it does not imply context.

ARQ stresses that not all ambiguous terms or phrases are equally important. How do you determine which ones are the most important to identify?

• I think it’s based on personal values.

How do value and descriptive assumptions differ?

• value and descriptive assumptions differ as descriptive assumptions are beliefs on how the world was, is, or will be while value assumptions are beliefs on how the world should be.

Do you believe most people are aware of what values they are assuming when they argue with you about a social issue? Why? Does it matter?

• No i do not believe that people are thinking of what values they are assuming when arguing about a social issue. I think this is because we are looking only at issues at a surface level rather than how they reflect who we are as people. I think it does matter, you can’t say you value love if you’re full of hate.

Why do so few experts (such as politicians, scientists, professors, and television pundits) make value priorities explicit? Should individuals expressing their opinions on a social controversy make their value priorities explicit? Why should or shouldn’t they?

• I think they are hesitant as they may clash with values of other people, and they want to seem impartial. I think it should make their value priorities explicit. Again, its a reflection of who they are as a person.

Look at the table of “Typical Value Conflict and Sample Controversies” (ARQ p. 57). Try to think of one more to add to this list. Write it down here and be prepared to share it in class.

• A controversy is same-sex marriage , freedom of religion/religious values VS equal rights