Conflicting Viewpoints Discussion Question

August 7, 2021

Week 3 Assignment – Conflicting Viewpoints Essay: Part 1

The assignment is divided into two parts: the prewriting paper (Part 1) due this week, and the essay (Part 2) due in Week 5.

Overview

When looking for information about a particular issue, how often do you try to resist biases toward your own point of view?

This assignment asks you to engage in this aspect of critical thinking by playing the “Believing Game.” The Believing Game is about making the effort to “believe,” or at least consider, the reasons for an opposing view on an issue.

Instructions

1. In the Week 2 Discussion, you examined the biases discussed in Chapter 2 of the webtext and reviewed one of the topics from Pros & Cons of Controversial Issues . You may use the same topic from this discussion or find another:

· Select one of the topics from Pros & Cons of Controversial Issues, state your position on the issue, and identify three premises (reasons) listed under either the Pro or Con section—whichever section opposes your position.

· For the three premises (reasons) that oppose your position on the issue, answer these “believing” questions suggested by Elbow:

· What’s interesting or helpful in this view?

· What would I notice if I believed this view?

· In what sense or under what conditions might this idea be true?

2. Read the excerpt about critical thinking processes: The Believing Game and How to Make Conflicting Opinions More Fruitful [PDF] .

3. Engage in prewriting to examine your thoughts.

The paper should follow guidelines for clear and organized writing:

· Include an introductory paragraph and concluding paragraph.

· Address the main ideas in body paragraphs with a topic sentence and supporting sentences.

· Adhere to standard rules of English grammar, punctuation, mechanics, and spelling.

· This prewriting assignment has no page requirement.

· There is no requirement at this time to include references in the assignment.

Distinguished

(100%)

Proficient

(85%)

Basic

(70%)

Below Expectations

(50%)

Non-Performance

(0%)

Thesis Statement

Raises the strongest objection to the thesis presented in the assignment. The objection is strongly grounded in research and logical reasoning.

Raises a plausible objection to the thesis presented in the assignment. The objection is mostly grounded in research and logical reasoning.

Raises an objection to the thesis presented in the assignment. The objection is somewhat grounded in research and logical reasoning.

Attempts to raise an objection to the thesis presented in the assignment. The objection is minimally grounded in research and logical reasoning.

The objection to the thesis is either nonexistent or lacks the components described in the assignment instructions.

Counter Argument

Provides a strong, thorough rebuttal to the objection. The rebuttal effectively demonstrates that the thesis can withstand the objection and applies the principles of charity and accuracy.

Provides a rebuttal to the objection. The rebuttal mostly demonstrates that the thesis can withstand the objection and mostly applies the principles of charity and accuracy.

Provides a limited rebuttal to the objection. The rebuttal somewhat demonstrates that the thesis can withstand the objection and somewhat applies the principles of charity and accuracy.

Attempts to provide a rebuttal to the objection; however, the rebuttal minimally demonstrates that the thesis can withstand the objection and does not apply the principles of charity and accuracy.

The rebuttal is either nonexistent or lacks the components described in the assignment instructions.

Conclusion

– Provides clear and concise closing remarks that comprehensively summarize the essay. The remarks consider the broader controversy and/or further research that could offer additional insight into the moral solution of the business problem.

Provides closing remarks that summarize the essay. The remarks mostly consider the broader controversy and/or further research that could offer additional insight into the moral solution of the business problem. The closing remarks are somewhat unclear.

Provides closing remarks that minimally summarizes the essay. The remarks minimally consider the broader controversy and/or further research that could offer additional insight into the moral solution of the business problems. The closing remarks are unclear and/or vague.

Attempts to provide closing remarks that summarize the essay, however, the remarks do not consider the broader controversy and/or further research that could offer additional insight into the moral solution of the business problem. The closing remarks are unclear and vague.

The closing remarks are either nonexistent or lack the components described in the assignment instructions.

Written Communication: Context of and Purpose for Writing

Demonstrates methodical application of organization and presentation of content. The purpose of the writing is evident and easy to understand. Summaries, quotes, and/or paraphrases fit naturally into the sentences and paragraphs. Paper flows smoothly.

Demonstrates sufficient application of organization and presentation of content. The purpose of the writing is, for the most part, clear and easy to understand. There are some problems with the blending of summaries, paraphrases, and quotes. Paper flows somewhat smoothly.

Demonstrates a limited understanding of organization and presentation of content in written work. The purpose of the writing is somewhat evident but may not be integrated throughout the assignment. There are many problems with the blending of summaries, paraphrases, and quotes. Paper does not flow smoothly in all sections.

Organization and presentation of content are extremely limited. The purpose of the writing is unclear. There is little or no blending of summaries, paraphrases, and quotes. Paper does not flow smoothly when read.