Question

1302: Identifying different forms of argumentation Carefully read each example below. Then, identify each as Rogerian, Toulmin, Moral, or Amoral and explain why you feel that way.

A) There is a woman who was near death, suffering from a rare form of cancer. There was one drug that the doctors thought might save her. It was a form of radium that a scientist in a nearby town had recently discovered. The drug was expensive to make, so the scientist was charging ten times what the drug cost him to make. He paid $400 for the radium and charged others $4,000 for a small dose of the drug. The sick woman's husband, Fred, went to everyone he knew to borrow the money and tried every legal means, but he could only get together about $2,000, which is half of what a dose of the drug cost. He told the scientist that his wife was dying and begged him to sell it to him cheaper or let him pay out the balance in installments. But the scientist said, "No, I discovered the drug and I'm going to make money from it." What type of argumentation is the scientist using to defend his actions?

B) Immunizations can save lives. Therefore, as parents are responsible for the health and well-being of their child, if that parent refuses to have their child immunized, that parent is actually committing child abuse and should have their child removed by Child Protective Services.

C) Many years ago in the Texas Legislature lurked two senators who loathed one another with a livid passion. One was conservative, the other liberal; one from a rural area, the other urban; one a mean, old bull and the other a witty cosmopolitan-type. Their names were Bubba and Cary. One afternoon, Bubba was drinking with a friend at a local dive bar when Cary walked in. Bubba looked at him and snarled, "You're a sorry *&#@!" Cary continued to the bar without comment. After he got a drink, he passed by Bubba's table, stopped, and said: "You think I'm a sorry *%$@, right?" "Right," said Bubba. "Well, I think you're a sorry *&*$$#$&." Bubba reared back, ready to fight. Cary continued: "But, we both know Senator Doakes is a sorry #@$%&*." Bubba laughed and said, "I'll drink to that! Why don’t you sit down for a spell?” “Don’t mind if I do. There’s something that I’ve been wanted to get your input on…”

D) “Grandma, you should use a hearing aid,” I said one afternoon when I finally got fed up with having to repeat myself for the fourth time. “There’s no shame in it,” I continued, “actually, over 70% of all people over age 65 have a hearing difficulty or some sort. You just turned 68 after all; you realize that a hearing aid helps most people to hear better, right?” She just looked at me through narrowed eyes. I pressed on, “Hearing aids are even available locally; a new shop just opened up downtown. I could take you today.” Again, no response from Granny. “You know, hearing aids help a lot of people. They are a pain-free way to improve your hearing; no surgery required. Also, they are made very tiny nowadays; most likely, no one will even know you are using one unless you tell them.” “I cannot afford one. And what if it breaks down? Who’s going to take me to get it fixed?” “Gran, between me and insurance, you’ll be able to afford one. Also, hearing aids are very wellmade today; it should never break down. However, if for some reason it does, I will personally take it back to the store for repair. Come on, give it a try; please?” “O.K.” Granny answered.

Answer 1

A. This is an example of amoral argument as the scientist doesn't care about whether his actions are right or wrong, and neither does he bother if his actions are causing potential harm to another person who can't afford it.

B. Moral argument, this argument takes the stance of what is right and what is wrong and chastising the latter opinion, hence taking a moral ground and using morality as a tool to argue one's case, such as it being wrong not to vaccinate one's child.

C. Rogerian argument, there wasn't a very severe debate and both the people found a common ground (hate for senator Doakes) and began a civil discussion thus.

D. Touliman argument. As the grandchild poses a very structured argument for his grandmother that is backed by statistics and when his grandmother tries to state a contrary point he successfully defend the proposal and convinces her to using hearing aids.