“What Words or Phrases are Ambiguous?”

1. The book defines ambiguity as “the existence of multiple possible meanings for a word or phrase” (Brown & Keeley, 2018, p. 39). It is important to identify ambiguous terms before evaluating an argument because it helps clarify terms with multiple meanings. Clarifying these terms can also help strengthen or weaken an argument, given the premises.
2. Dictionary definitions are not sufficiently helpful in an argument because key terms and phrases may have multiple meanings given the context. The words used in a dictionary definition are broad, meaning the individual words can be interpreted multiple different ways. This does not help make the meaning of the key term or phrase clearer.
3. Not all ambiguous terms or phrases need to be identified. The terms and phrases that directly relate to the argument are important and should be identified and defined. This is done to keep the amount of definitions in the paper low. It also keeps the focus where it needs to be, that is looking at the information directly relevant to the argument.

“What Are the Value and Descriptive Assumptions?”

1. A value assumption is one that indicates a preference of one value over the other. Value assumptions are implicit. Descriptive assumptions are unstated beliefs. These are assumptions about the way the world is: past, present, and future.
2. It is important for people to be aware of the values they and others assume because not everyone may share that assumption. There may be an opposing assumption that one could argue with. Furthermore, by only using an assumption, there is lack of concrete evidence supporting that assumption or claim. It is like arguing a statement without reasons or evidence. One example of a social issue is the assumption there should be universal health care.
3. Very few experts make value priorities explicit because of value assumptions. There are ethical and logical sides for these priorities. By being implicit, the experts avoid offending others while not directly sharing their personal beliefs. This is most noticeable with politicians, who are trying to gain votes. Honesty is important, especially when looking at large controversies such as abortion or legalization of drugs. Depending on the situation, experts should share their opinions, although they have a right to privacy. Expert opinions are important when discussing things such as medical technology or environmental change, since these things can directly affect the public. It is also important for constituents to know the beliefs of their political leaders.
4. Type of value conflict: individual vs. collective responsibility

Example 1: Who is responsible for health care?

Example 2:  Who pays for education?