There are three parts to this discussion forum. Make sure you complete all parts.
Part 1. Choose a topic from the list below. Research your topic and CITE YOUR SOURCES. You must have at least THREE SOURCES cited that support your argument. Present a detailed argument in favor of (or against) your chosen topic. Minimum three (3) paragraphs and IN YOUR OWN WORDS–no copy/paste from any other resources. For each paragraph you write, you must have a short quote from a different source to back up your argument. Begin Part 1 with the following: “The following argument is in favor of . . .” or “The following argument is against . . .”
Topics:
Drug legalization
Transgender Bathroom Laws
Music piracy
Gay marriage
Private businesses discriminating against other groups of people (for example: gays, Blacks, Jews, women, the homeless)
Abortion
Polygamy
Gun Control
Universal healthcare
Legalize prostitution
Capitalism
The existence of God
Part 2. Practicing Socrates’ Elenchus, defend opposing viewpoint. Research the opposing viewpoint of the topic you chose for Part 1. CITE YOUR SOURCES. You must have at least THREE SOURCES that support the opposing viewpoint. The sources you use for Part 2 must be DIFFERENT FROM the sources you used for Part 1. Minimum three (3) paragraphs and IN YOUR OWN WORDS–no copy/paste from any other resources. For each paragraph you write, you must have a short quote from a different source to back up your argument. Begin Part 2 with the following: “The following argument is against (or in favor of)…”
Part 3. Give your conclusion. Taking into account the two sides of the argument you provided above, conclude with an argument as to which side you take and the reasons why. YOU MUST LIST THE REASONS; must have a minimum of four. You must also write two or three sentences justifying each reason. Be careful not to fall into the trap of providing informal fallacies as arguments. Use the following format for Part 3:
I am in favor (or against) . . . for the following reasons
1.
2.
3.
4.