Term Paper on "Universal Declaration of Human Rights"

Quoted Instructions for "Universal Declaration of Human Rights" Assignment:

Essay Assignment #3: Toulmin Model Argument about Human Rights:

Draft a 1000-1250 word (3-4 page) Toulmin Model argument in response to the following prompt:

"In your view, why is it necessary to have a published 'Universal Declaration of Human Rights' to which all countries must refer? Isn't the Bible enough?*****

The Bible portion must be included in the argument and answered! A Pro-Bible view is preferred; however, in reality I understand that it is not the book which governs the world. Please use the King James Version if possible when quoting. This is from a Protestant background not Catholic or others.

The essay must:

*****¢ Be double-spaced with 1***** margins.

*****¢ Use Times New Roman 12 font.

*****¢ Include at least 5 external sources introduced by signal phrases and cited throughout the paper

*****¢ Be formatted in MLA style

*****¢ Include a Works Cited page

Instructor suggested additional resources to read before beginning:

*****¢ The Carter Center: http://www.cartercenter.org/homepage.html

*****¢ Human Rights Watch: http://www.hrw.org/

*****¢ United Nations Agreements on Human Rights: http://www.hrweb.org/legal/undocs.html

*****¢ BreakPoint: http://www.pfm.org//AM/Template.cfm?Section=PFM_Home

*****¢ Christian Solidarity Worldwide: http://www.csw.org.uk/

*****¢ Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention: http://www.sbc.net/redirect.asp?url=http://www.erlc.com

Lesson Dealing with Toulmin Model of Arguments

In this lesson the Toulmin Model of arguments will be discussed because it is especially helpful to college *****s.

The Toulmin Model forces *****s to establish their argument*****s claim, reason, warrants and evidence in response to an issue before they actually begin drafting their argumentative essay. Remember though, the Toulmin model is just a tool to get *****s started; the example exercise below is a framework for an argument, not the argument itself; instead, the essay would result from this exercise.

Here is a summary of the steps in the Toulmin Model:

1. Issue (which must be debatable)

2. Claim (the position about the issue)

3. Reason (the reason behind the claim)

4. Warrant (the principle(s) underlying the claim)

5. Evidence (logos, pathos, ethos)

The best way to put these steps into practice is to use them to respond to an issue and develop a thesis statement from them. BELOW IS A SUPERFICIAL ILLUSTRATION ONLY:

*****¢ Issue: Whether dad should lend you $5,000.00 to buy a used car.

*****¢ Claim: Dad should lend me $5,000.00 to buy a used car *****¦

*****¢ Reason: Because it is the best way for me to get to work and school.

*****¢ Evidence: (the evidence should be foreshadowed in the thesis statement so the reader knows what to expect in this argument):

o Logos: driving is the cheapest way for me to commute; mom won*****t need to chauffeur me anymore; I can help mom by running errands; statistics reveal that my grades will increase

o Pathos: dad loves me and wants to help me finish college

o Ethos: I have paid him back in the past and have a GPA of 3.5

Resulting Thesis Statement (and introductory paragraph):

Dad should lend me $5,000.00 to buy a used car because it is the easiest way for me to get to work and school. After computing the cost, driving is $25.00 cheaper each month if I drive instead of take the train or bus. Mom will also be relieved of chauffeuring duties and be able to focus on other responsibilities. I can even help her by running errands. My parents love and support me and want to prepare me for my professional future. I have borrowed money before and have shown that I am responsible enough to pay it back. I am also a good student.

Be mindful of the difference between inductive and deductive reasoning, because each can lead to different results. Deductive reasoning, what ***** referred to as artistic appeals, is based upon generalizations supported by evidence, and often leads to faulty conclusions, or logical fallacies.

Avoid hasty generalizations, circular reasoning, doubtful causal relationships, irrelevant evidence, false comparisons, personal attacks, ultimatums, or arguments based upon trends*****”"everyone*****s doing it"*****”in the argument.

On the other hand, inductive reasoning, what ***** referred to as inartistic appeals, is used in arguments made from logical evidence and is more commonly used. For example, an inductive argument would include not only the claim about an issue but also compelling proof that backs it up. Inductive reasoning is the type that will be using in the essay.