Intro logic Essay

Suggested Outline Form

I) Introduction

1. Anecdote or other lead-in material.
2. Identification of the chosen issue.
3. Identification of the commentators and their positions.

II) The Issue

1. Explain the issue in detail
2. Why is it controversial?
3. What are its greater implications?
4. The intelligent but uninformed reader!

III) Argument for the first editorialist’s thesis–the deep analysis

1. Statement and explanation of the commentator’s thesis
2. Identify suppressed premises, contingent facts etc.
3. Reconstruction of the argument in standard argument form.

IV) Argument for the second editorialist’s thesis–the deep analysis

1. Statement and explanation of the commentator’s thesis
2. Identify suppressed premises, contingent facts etc.
3. Reconstruction of the argument in standard argument form.

V) Explanation of your position on this issue–the deep analysis

1. Clear statement and explanation of your view (thesis)
2. Clarification of your position
   

VI) Argument for your position 

1. Construction of the argument in standard argument form (including supporting and branching sub-arguments)
2. Identify suppressed premises, contingent facts etc.
3. Check for fallacies and validity.
   

VII) Response to commentaries

1. How your argument responds to the first commentary
2. How your argument responds to the second commentary
3. Other views?

VIII) Possible responses and objections to your position

1. Possible response from first commentator
2. Possible response from second commentator
3. Other possible responses or objections
4. Your response to possible objection (if any)

IX) Concluding Summary of the issue and your position.