Proposal Arguments

1
Proposal Arguments

• We should/ should not do X

2
Practical vs. Policy Proposals

• Practical narrow, local, and concrete
  proposals (W.A. 308).
• Policy concerned with the broad outline and
  shape of a course of action (308).

3
Three-Part Structure

• 1) describe the problem must convince audience
  that a problem really exists
• 2) propose a solution must elaborate on
  specifics
• 3) justify your solution must convince audience
  that your proposal should be enacted

4
Concerns

• Proposals require pathos.
• People are naturally conservative.
• Future consequences are unpredictable.
• Consequences are hard to calculate cost-benefit
  analysis may be necessary.

5
Proposal Strategies

• Claim-type strategy
• employ causal, resemblance, and categorical
  claims to generate reasons for implementing your
  proposal
• we should (not) do X because it will cause Y
• we should (not) do X because doing X is the same
  as doing Y
• we should (not) do X because X is a Y

6
Proposal Strategies, cont.

• Stock issues
• Is there really a problem to be solved?
• Will the proposed solution really solve the
  problem?
• Can the problem be solved more simply?
• Is the proposed solution practical? Can it be
  implemented?
• What might the unforeseen consequences be?