1. Explain what “to give an argument” means in this book.
Giving an argument according to Anthony Weston, can be explained as giving solid evidence to backup your claim.

2. What are the reasons Weston gives in support of his claim, “arguments are essential”? Weston states that without an argument, your reasoning for your conclusions would in fact be no more than simple disagreements with no support to prove your point. Also he encourages arguments to analyze points on both sides to determine which conclusion holds the most weight.

3. Explain why many students tend to “write an essay, but not an argument”. It is not always understood what is expected in following the rules of a good argument, therefore , without the proper knowledge it is unlikely you will make a good argument but instead merely write essays.

4. Construct two short arguments (one "for" and one "against") as modeled in the Week 3 Assignment section in Blackboard. Put each one in "elements form".

5. Review the seven rules in chapter one. Briefly discuss how your argument demonstrates that each rule was applied, in the construction of your arguments above.

6. Review the three rules in the appendix named, “Definitions”. In your own words, discuss how you took these rules into consideration as you constructed your arguments.

7. Good posts demonstrate:
Sincere reflection, effort, and analysis
Answers that are substantial (at least one large paragraph each)
Consistent mention, citation, and integration of the assigned readings (explained in YOUR own words, though)
Correct spelling, grammar, and punctuation
Correctly titled posts!

How many points do you honestly feel your post this week deserves? Justify your answer.

I definitely do not deserve the full 25 points for this assignment. My answers are short, not answered well, and some are not answered at all. I struggle with the issue of argument often as i am not one who speaks my mind. This is one of my biggest down falls that I would like to over come & I am hopeful that this class will help me with this issue.

Blog Assignment #2

1. Were the questions on the Moral Sense Test difficult to answer (psychologically, emotionally, conceptually, technically, etc.)? Why or why not? Do you think your responses to the Moral Sense Test questions were consistent? Does this matter?
I did struggle somewhat with my answers to the Moral Sense Test questions but not necessarily because I found them to be hard fore say, but rather that i attempted to analyze each one from different points of view. I do think my answers were consistent for most of the questions but not all of them due to the different moral issues each presented. I do believe that consistency is important in many aspects, however these questions were based on your overall judgement of different scenarios and therefore may not always be so forthright.

2. Should people always follow the law? Why or why not? When might one be justified in NOT following the law? Give examples.
Ethically and moral we should always follow the law. It is the only means we have to keep the peace and be justified, however I do agree that under certain circumstances breaking the law is justifiable. An example of this would be in a case of a battered woman. If the woman is fearful of her life and is undoubtedly going to die at the hands of her abuser, she may kill her partner in self defence, in which case should not be judged as harshly as a heartless murder, as she committed the crime out of fear and not because she is evil and merely plotted to take a life.

3. In your own words, explain what "social convention" means. Give examples.

4. Should people always follow the conventions of their society? Why or why not? Give examples.
For the majority of the time it may be understandable to do what is socially expected of us, however occasionally a situation may arise when we may have to step outside of our comfort zone and do something that may be looked down upon. Such may be so if you live in a religious community in which it is unacceptable for a same sex couple to adopt a child. The couple would be under heavy scrutiny although it is strictly the communities desire to not have the couple adopt because of their choice of sexuality and not because it wouldn't be in the best interest of the child.
5. Should people always follow their own principles? Why or why not? Give examples.
I believe people should stay true to themselves and not change who they are as a person. Many times people give into peer pressure and change who they are inside just to be accepted in society. The overwhelming need to fit in often changes how we think, act and even how we feel about things and about other people.If only we could be more strong and stand firm on what our true feelings are then maybe we would learn from each other and not be so judgemental. Peer pressure is probably most known in high school when everyone wants to be popular and cool. Unfortunately, most of the time being cool is going out of they're way to hurt others. Although many times adults are put in awkward positions at wk as well, in which someone may step on others to get promoted and move to the top.

6. Explain in your own words the difference between socially acceptable, legally acceptable, and morally acceptable.
Wanting to be accepted is human nature. Being socially accepted is probably the most sought after form of acceptance. People want to be accepted for their appearances, sexual preferences and their individuality. Being legally acceptable is also important as people may commit crimes by accident or as I discussed previously, a crime may be committed out of self defence in which neither of these should hold the same punishment as a serial killer. Lastly morally acceptable is perhaps best recognized by religious groups as these people are committed to to the right thing in society by reasons of their faith.

7. Out of 25 points, how many points do you feel your work on this assignment deserves? Justify your answer. I only deserve 20 points as I failed to answer all of the questions. However I did answer most of them and did so to the best of my ability.

Blog Assignment #1

ASSIGNMENT QUESTIONS.
1. How would you have explained the meaning of the term "ethics", before taking this class?

My best description of ethics is simply the expectation to say or do the right thing according to the "Laws of the Land". In other words, it isn't always what we want to say or do, but what we are expected to say or do by the world in which we live. Ethics is ingrained in all of us from our society, however, it may be defined differently depending on our cultures or religions. One example would be that in our culture, it is accepted that a woman dress provocatively as long as it is in good taste, however, many religions would find this offensive to say the least. While ethics can be viewed in many different aspects, the general understanding is the same.

2. What are some of your deepest held values?

To be honest and respect myself as well as others. Also I try to be compassionate to everyone, including animals. Not only is it ethical, but I search for these qualities in others and I try to give back what I get. As for the animals, you may not get it in return, but it's usually because you are not being true to yourself. Animals are much more in tune with their instincts, you can't fool them. They will force you to be honest with yourself and if you don't respect them they won't respect you. On the flip side, show them compassion and you will back unconditional love. We can definitely learn from the creatures that share our world.

3. What are some main principles you try to live your life by?

Being open minded is very important to me. I strongly believe that you grow both in mind and in spirit when your mind is open to explore all that the world has to offer. To be closed minded is not only belittling and demeaning to others but also prohibits you from living life to the fullest. I always analyze every situation from both sides and from every point of view that I can think of. It's amazing what you get out of it sometimes, even if you still disagree. With that, I strive to always be respectful of others and learn from our differences instead of being judgemental.

4. What moral qualities do you look for in others?

Honesty, respect and compassion. Being honest with someone is the ultimate respect. Caring enough about someone that you refrain from lying to them also shows compassion. These three qualities compliment each other and a person who holds each of them is a very admirable human being. I take pride in putting forth the effort to uphold each of these qualities, although it can be very difficult at times. In many ways being honest and having compassion is being respectful. It is virtually impossible to show compassion for how someone feels or what they are going through and not respect their feelings

5. How were your values and principles developed?

My mother and father were largely responsible, as well as my environment. My parents , both religious, raised me mostly following the baptist studies. However they did not force any religious beliefs upon me. For that I am grateful because I was also influenced by many other people in our society at that time to be just like them. I was given the opportunity to be my own person and set my own beliefs as I grew. I took many of their teachings with me along the way as well as develop some of my own that I later instilled in my parents. Hence the importance of an open mind.

6. How have your values and principles changed throughout your life so far?

I have grown so much spiritually, emotionally and mentally. I sometimes look back from where I started to where I am now and I am truly amazed at how much I've changed through it all. I actually gave in to peer pressure and became very closed minded, but fortunately we traveled most of my childhood and I experienced many different people, cultures, religions and personal beliefs of others that it opened my mind way beyond what I could have ever imagined. Although I have never been out of the country (except to see Niagara Falls) my experiences while traveling the USA is something I will always treasure. My values in life haven't really changed, but instead they have become more enhanced. I have experienced the importance of good values and I try to uphold each one with integrity.

7. Out of 25 points, how many points do you feel your work on this assignment deserves? Justify your answer.

I answered each question as thoroughly and honestly as possible and feel that I deserve the full 25 points because the answers are my own thoughts and not something that came from a textbook in which there would be the possibility of answering wrong.