Chapter 12 Notes: Argument by Definition
What is Argument by Definition?
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Writing an essay that depends on your definition
of a key term
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Argue that something fits/doesn’t fit your
definition
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Examples:
o
Do minorities receive quality health care?
DEFINE quality
o
Should the rich pay more taxes than others?
DEFINE rich
o
Is cheerleading really a sport? DEFINE sport
Developing Definitions
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Success of argument = ability to define term so
readers can see its validity
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Dictionary Definitions (Formal Definitions)
o
Term to be defined, general class to which term
belongs, qualities of term that differentiate the term from other terms in
class
·
Extended Definitions
o
Formal definitions not enough to define
complex/abstract terms
o
Give example of research sources that fit definition.
o
Effective examples= relevant to argument
·
Operational Definitions
o
Defines some by telling how it acts or works
o
Abstract concept into concrete concept
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Structuring an Argument by Definition
o
Introduction: establish context for argument;
explains need for defining term; presents thesis
o
Evidence (first point in support of thesis):
provide short definition of term, and extended definition
o
Evidence (second point) Shows how term
does/doesn’t fit definition
o
Refutation of opposing arguments: Addresses
questions about or objections to definition, considers other possible
definitions
o
Conclusion: Reinforce main point of argument;
strong concluding statement
Exercise 12.1 Identifying the Elements of an Argument by
Definition
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In your own words summarize the essay’s thesis
o
The writer’s thesis is that the term “wife
beater “for a style of shirt is a strange name for an undershirt; despite the
fact that negative stereotypes behind the term are disturbing, it is now ok to
say the term without offending anyone.
·
According to Smith. What three problems are
associated with defining the term wife-beater?
o
The name, supposedly, refers to popular culture
figures not to spousal abuse
o
The trend
toward wearing wife beaters could promote male dominance, which is associated
with spousal abuse.
o
Wife-beaters for men and women are considered
sexy…there should be a better term that “connotes sexy” rather than violence
·
Why does Smith include dictionary definitions of
“wife-beater?” How is her definition different from these dictionary definitions?
o
Smith includes dictionary definitions so that
she can counter argue the definitions using her definition. The oxford dictionary definition for the term
wife beater has two different definitions: 1) A man who physically abuses his
wife and 2) Tank-style underwear shirts. Origin: based on the stereotype that
physically abusive husbands wear that particular type of shirt.
o
She believes that the definition of the term wife-beater is an inappropriate
definition for an undergarment that is trending in today’s pop-culture because
it promotes male dominance and violent.
·
Where does Smith introduce possible objections
to her definition of wife-beater? Does she refute them convincingly?
o
In paragraphs 9 and 10 Smith introduces
objections to her definition of wife
beater.
She does refute the objections
convincingly. In paragraphs 11 through
14 she provides startling evidence regarding spousal abuse that contradicts the
common belief that it
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