Test: The Varieties of Disagreements

Philosophy 203: Scientific Reasoning
Test: The Structure of Arguments

Part V: Varieties of Disagreements (25 points).

Directions: In each of the following disputes (1) state the fact at issue, (2) identify the emotive significance as being positive, neutral, or negative, (3) identify the kinds of agreement or disagreement present, and (4) tell how the dispute might best be resolved.

1. John: Nuclear reactors are far superior to coal plants because coal plants release more pollution.

Mary: Nuclear reactors are frightening and have the potential to release dangerous radiation.

Fact at issue:
John’s emotive significance:
Mary’s emotive significance:
Belief:
Attitude:
How best resolved:

2. John: But coal plants release radionucleotides in excess of that allowed by nuclear facilities.

Mary: That’s not true. The federal government would not allow that to happen.

Fact at issue:
John’s emotive significance:
Mary’s emotive significance:
Belief:
Attitude:
How best resolved:

3. John: Nevertheless, it is true. The NRC standards do not apply to the ash released from coal powered plants.

Mary: Really? Well, I didn’t know that.

Fact at issue:
John’s emotive significance:
Mary’s emotive significance:
Belief:
Attitude:
How best resolved:

4. John: It’s true. The areas downwind of coal fired plants are bathed in unregulated radioactive materials, so nuclear reactors are as safe as sliced bread.

Mary: Yes, but if you look at the total cycle of nuclear energy production, the radioactivity from using the ore, producing the fuel, and the nuclear waste, the nuclear reactors are terribly dangerous.

Fact at issue:
John’s emotive significance:
Mary’s emotive significance:
Belief:
Attitude:
How best resolved:

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