Week 4 Flashcards
Arguments Part 2
The Human Condition and These
While a very broad-ranging term, it specifically relates to “all that compounds a human being.”
It is all these elements within humanity that we celebrate, desire, seek to achieve, as well as what we struggle with, are ashamed by, that we debate and reconcile, that we own … it is all that we are. Within Humanities/Liberal Arts studies (such as English), exploration within the human condition (or humanity) is foremost. The point is to explore ourselves, and theses related to the human condition are considered the main goal for these explorations (and are usually seen as the most advanced essays in purpose). To name but a few “qualifiers” as example:
Power, Justice, Hope, Mercy, Oppression, Courage, Joy, Hate, Love, Forgiveness, Choice, Goodness, Voice, judgement, Weakness, Strength, Care, Empathy, Sympathy, Wrath, Vengeance, Fear, Decency, Corruption, Spirit, Faith, Understanding, Acceptance, Anger, Trust, Ignorance, Truth, Honesty, Deceit, Imagination, Kindness, Free Will, Commitment, Knowledge, Naivete, Education/Learning, Innocence,
Cruelty, Apathy, Equality/Inequality, Sorrow, Grief, Pride, Intelligence, Bravery, Responsibility, Resentment, Regret, Reason, Logic, Irrationality, Shame, Diplomacy, Grace, Isolation, Hurt, Celebration, Humility, Honour, Control, Arrogance, Loyalty, Respect, Happiness, Grief, Democracy, Communication,
Guilt, Malevolence, Death, Forgiveness, etc, etc … anything “meaningful” (concept and/or ideology. Critical thesis is the last sentence of Introduction
Introduction
should (1) announce the topic (2) focus the discussion, all building towards your (3) thesis claim (last sentence of Introduction)
Head-on Account (Introduction opener) (he most common/easily manageable)
If responding to something like a “quote,” it usually involves an immediate re-statement of the quote and speaker (or the “topic” of an article, for example). It’s essentially a crisp, declarative sentence (or 2) that simply establishes the topic at hand. This is followed later with content build (which should include some ideology) towards your thesis, as do all of the following kinds of “openers.” But the “Head-On Account” is known as a “no-nonsense” style of opener, which allows for readers to move effectively towards your main concern by the end of the paragraph (main concern being the thesis).
The Opening Definition (Introduction opener)
Specifies the subjective (or perhaps objective) meaning of a term or concept. This establishes either an understanding, or even the problem with the term itself in that its meaning is somewhat undefinable or dependent upon one’s perspective. Usually this “opening definition” technique signals that you will be adding or further qualifying, and works best with ambiguous, contested or emotional terms and concepts, such as “family,” “justice,” “success,” “truth,” “education,” “values,” “morals” etc.
Gesture to Authority (introduction opener)
Establishes an acknowledgment to an “other,” who has some validity and/or credibility in either experience or authority or importance. (ie. “A recent survey by the Canadian Government discovered that…” or, “Jane Tompkins, a professor of Humanities at Dalhousie University, claimed…” or, “It’s been well documented through Memorial’s Folklore Department about the impressive number of dialects this province holds..”)
The Counter-Argument (Introduction opener)
This sets the debate in motion. You deliberately pit your argument from the outset, immediately refuting the claim or statement or idea.
The Anecdote (introduction opener)
A brief little “story” or sketch or episode. Draws upon the personal, and reads somewhat informally, which is not necessarily a bad thing because it can relax the reader into a conversational tone, since it strives to share with the reader a personal experience or private observation.
The Question (introduction opener)
Can be effective, but limit your questioning approach to three (3). One (even 2) opening question(s) is usually the norm/effective. Any more than 3, however, will read like your introduction has no real assertions, reeling off as many questions as possible (in no logical sequence) in hope that a thesis or focus will magically appear. The question(s) you use should be significant enough to arouse the readers’ interest and attention/thought. They should want to explore the question(s) along with you.
The Unusual or Interesting Fact (introduction opener)
Generates interest and/or another layer to the topic, which you will then discuss. If you open with this (which in some ways is like an anecdote), be sure it has a purpose. Don’t include it unless there is a point to it all. Has to be supportive in some manner (but does not have to be the entire focus of your argument). Should complement or contribute in build towards your thesis/discussion.
