PHI 103 Week 1 Discussion - Standard Form Arguments

Write: Present two arguments in standard form (with each premise and conclusion on a separate line) on the same topic (selected from the PHI103 Final Paper Options list). The two arguments should represent different positions on the topic. For example, if your topic was Santa Claus (no, that’s not one of the topics on the list), then you might present one argument for the claim that Santa Claus does exist and another argument that Santa Claus does not exist. The premises of each argument will present reasons for thinking that the conclusion is true.

For each argument, provide a brief explanation of the strengths and weaknesses of the argument. You might consider whether the argument is inductive or deductive, or you might provide a diagram of the argument. Think about how the two arguments compare to each other. Is one better than the other? If so, what makes that one better? Is each a fair presentation of what someone taking that position would say? Are the premises reasonable? How might each argument be made better?