Chapter 4

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

Ambiguity is summarized as having multiple possible meanings for one work. For example, the word ‘freedom’ can take on many different forms. It is important to identify these terms before you evaluate an argument because you could come to conclusions that completely missed the point of the author’s writing.

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

Dictionary definitions are not always completely accurate. When you are searching for what the author meant by a term, the dictionary you are using has no clue as to what the context of the word was. Therefore, it may pull up many different correct definitions of the word itself but might lack the definition that the author was intending to use.

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

The most important ones to identify are the ones in the reasoning. They are the statements that are supposed to be supporting their main point. If it is impossible to understand a phrase in context, then it may be the author’s wrongdoing by not writing clear enough. In that case, it would not be the job of the reader to come up with a reasoning for the author.

Chapter 5

How do value and descriptive assumptions differ?

Value assumptions are unique to each person. They are the assumptions that are made based on the values we hold important. These value assumptions are, at their core, a intrinsic belief that your values are more preferred over that of another value. In contrast to this, descriptive assumptions are not so much based on personal values, but a belief in how the world was or should be. I believe that the “why do you think that?” component is much more important in descriptive assumptions. In value assumptions, it is clear that the reason in variation is because of differences in personal values. However, in descriptive assumptions there is usually some sort of back story as to why they concluded what they did about the world around them.

Why is it important for people to be aware of what values they and others are assuming (a.k.a. of their value assumptions) when they argue about a social issue? Provide an example.

By taking the time to identify and understand the author’s value assumptions, it will increase the chance of a productive argument. What I mean by this is, if you can “put yourself in their shoes”, you might be more open to their viewpoints no matter how much they differ from your own. The example provided is that Republicans and Democrats could have more productive and helpful arguments if they would try to understand the values of each other first before defending their own points of view.

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?

By being explicit about their own values, they are automatically going to form a divide in their listeners. Those who match their values will listen, and those who do not agree might jump to conclusions about the speaker’s argument and disregard it before the claim is made. I believe that individuals should make their values a priority to an extent. You should explain your values enough so that the reader can understand your perspective on the topic in order to give it a chance. However, your values should not seem so preached that you deem other values unimportant.

Look at the table of “Typical Value Conflict and Sample Controversies” on page 57 of ARQ. Try to think of one more to add to this list, and an example of when the two values conflict. Write it down here and be prepared to share it in class.

Dependability-Autonomy

Should you promise to pick up your friend at the airport at 2a.m. if you have a huge exam the next day?