Lecture 2-arguing ethics

Question 1

Define “argument”

Answer 1

Group of statements (premises) which are claimed to provide support for or reasons to believe another statement (conclusion)
Not just yelling at each other
attempt to convince and persuade the other party
evaluating arguments is evaluating positions using critical thinking

Question 2

Slippery slope

-problem?

Answer 2

the action does not inevitably lead to the conclusion

Question 3

Slippery slope

-example?

Answer 3

“If Dr. Brantly is treated for ebola in Atlanta, then Emory University will be obligated to treat all ebola patients, and local patients would lose access to healthcare”

Question 4

Ad hominem

-problem?

Answer 4

• Attacking the person rather than the reasoning

- the argument may have merit even if the person making it does not

Question 5

Ad hominem

-example?

Answer 5

“The main proponent of bringing Dr. Brantly to Emory is Mr. X who has a terrible reputation as a cheater at tiddlywinks. We should ignore Mr. X’s argument”

Question 6

Straw man

-problem?

Answer 6

• Misrepresenting the opposing argument

- Attacking the weakest point of the argument

Question 7

Straw man

-Example?

Answer 7

“Dr. X claims we should bring over every ebola patient and treat them all in Atlanta. Obviously Emory does not have space for that”

Question 8

False dilemma

-problem?

Answer 8

• There are almost always more than 2 options

- Usually the options are presented as extremes

Question 9

False dilemma

-example?

Answer 9

“Either we refuse to allow Dr. Brantly to return, or we allow the U.S. to fall victim to the worst outbreak of ebola this world has ever seen”

Question 10

“rules for debate”

Answer 10

• Represent the opposing position accurately and fairly
• identify the core issues at stake
• admit doubts, difficulties, and weaknesses in your position
• incorporate your patient’s perspective

Question 11

Know why the “rules for debate” are important

-represent the opposing position accurately and fairly

Answer 11

understand what their side is

don’t assume they are wrong because you disagree

Question 12

Know why the “rules for debate” are important

-identify the core issues at stake

Answer 12

don’t argue the details (at least not at first)

Question 13

Know why the “rules for debate” are important

-admit doubts, difficulties, and weaknesses in your position

Answer 13

admit them openly and honestly

Question 14

Know why the “rules for debate” are important

-Incorporate your patient’s perspective

Answer 14

Put yourself in the patients shoes

“I have helped patients in this situation before and this is how we worked through it”