Argument Culture and Ethics DIT Week 3 Prepared by Kumudham Sandrasegaran

Learning Outcomes Culture & Argumentation Ethics & Argumentation Developing an Ethical Code Readings : Chapter 3

Introduction Human societies are complex Developed over generations through experiences, symbols, histories, structures & framework to understand surroundings. People & experiences are different. Arguments take place among people who may or may not share the same experience Lack of common approaches for understanding & interpreting arguments may lead to misunderstanding

Culture Systems of shared meanings that are expressed through different symbolic forms such as rituals, stories, symbols, myths that hold a group of people together. People who share a common culture share a similar communication pattern.

Ethics Is the study of what is morally right or just. Systematic set of ethical principles Ethics can be personal or formally adopted by groups of similar people. E.g professional bodies

Arguments Strengthens individuals, it creates a relationship. Strengthens community, help groups of people to live and works together. Aristotle argued that arguers should consider those issues that are fair & just to the members of the community.

Cultural Argument Patterns Deductive pattern Inductive pattern Abductive pattern Narrative pattern

Culture & values Culture assign how they assign levels of importance to different values. -Some cultures value possessions & others value people. -Some cultures value collectivism & relationship & others value individualism. -Some value progress & change & others value tradition.

Developing an Ethical Code Requires arguers to take responsibility in argumentative encounters. Have clear understanding of :- Argument Construction Ethical users Both arguer & recipient must have a clear sense of their own ethic of argument.

Ethics for Arguers Should be accountable & responsible for their own arguments. Should promote significant choice Promote positive relationship with their audience.

Ethics for Rcipients Need to be critically aware & be vigilant of the arguments. Should be aware of attempts to influence them Should be informed Be aware of their own biases Understand how fallacies persuade

Activity Select 3 topics and develop an argumentative case. 1.Alcohol abuse 2.Endangered species 3.Financial aid 4.Consumer protection 5.Religion 6.Political campaigns