Writing ArgumentsLunsford Ch. 9

Why Definitions Matter

“A term can be defined in many ways –By what it is, by what it isn’t, by what it includes, by specific examples, by what authorities observe, and by feelings.” (i.e. What is hooking up to you?)

“Definitions matter because they are, in fact, arguments that define the concepts by which we live and operate.” [i.e. third world vs. global south/ refugee vs. evacuee/ activism vs. terrorism]

Definitions wield the power to say what someone or something is or isn’t. They have the power to include or exclude. [Fit vs. unfit/ intelligent (life) vs. machine/ adult vs. minor/ stealing vs. appropriating/ public vs. private]

The problem of Dictionaries

The definitions in a dictionary are molded by the way a particular group of people use words at a specified time and place.

Similarly, history books and religious texts are also molded by politics, culture, language, and time.

“There is no such thing as history only histories.” – Kermode

[Dictionaries (like Wikipedia) can be used as starting

Points]

Patriotism

Types of DefinitionsFormal Definitions: place terms in its proper “genus” and “species” (what it is and isn’t in the simplest of terms)

Operational Definitions: What something does or by what conditions create it. [i.e. harassment requires unwanted, unsolicited, and repeated behavior]

Conditions create controversy/ ambiguity (i.e. Can someone who is paid for their community service still be called a volunteer?)

Definitions by Example: Defining class by listing constituents/members (i.e. Which movies or songs are considered classic? What is considered literature? What is genre writing?)

Developing Definitional Arguments

Formulating Claims: A declarative statement that represents your first response to a situation/idea.

Claims of Definitions may sound like: A Person paid to do public service is not a volunteer

A municipal fee is often the same as a tax

Napoleon Dynamite is one of many independent films to achieve cult status

“Finding good reasons to support of claim of definition usually requires formulating a general definition by which to explore the subject.”

Crafting Definitions

Someone paid to do public service is not a volunteer because volunteers are people who . . . ???

Toulmin Strategy:Claim: Participants in Americorps aren’t volunteers

Reason: . . . Because they are paid for their service.

Warrant: People who are compensated for their services are, ordinarily, employees

Every part of your definition must be weighed. Does your subject fit your general definitions in terms of: being a clear example of a class, being outside of a defined class, falling btw. classes, or defying classes?

Parts of the Definitional Arguments

A narrative/scene demonstrating your claim/introducing why an argument of definition is pertinent (for this class)

A claim involving a question of a definition (your thesis)

A general definition

A careful look at your subject in terms of that general definition

Evidence for every part of the argument (your claim)

A consideration of alternative views and counterarguments

A conclusion drawing out the implications of your argument

For your Unit 2 Assignment

Step 1: Proposal (See 268 – 273 w/ special attention to 270)

State your thesis completely.

Explain why this argument deserves attention.

Who is your audience and why should they care?

Possible challenges?

Step 2: Demonstrative Narrative/Scene

*The format for this paper will be a combination of a narrative/story and a formal paper.

* In forming your proposal, first attempt to formulate a controversial definition, challenge a definition, or determine if something fits into an existing definition. This will help you explore your overall topic before developing a claim.