Assignment 1: Argument Mapping - Write A Four To Five-Page P

Assignment 1argument Mappingwrite A Four To Five 4 5 Page Paper In

Write a four to five (4-5) page paper in which you:

1. Create an argument map based on the influence diagram presented in Case 1.3 and complete all the criteria provided in the exercise, beginning with this claim: “The U.S. should return to the 55- mph speed limit in order to conserve fuel and save lives.”

2. Include in the map as many warrants, backings, objections, and rebuttals as possible.

3. Assume that the original qualifier was certainly; indicate whether the qualifier changes as we move from a simple, static, uncontested argument to a complex, dynamic and contested argument.

4. Apply the argument mapping procedures presented in Chapter 8 to analyze the pros and cons (or strengths and weaknesses) of the recommendations that the United States should not intervene in the Balkans.

Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

The practice of argument mapping is a vital tool in policy analysis and decision-making. It allows for a visual and systematic organization of the reasoning elements that underpin various claims, especially when dealing with complex and contested issues. This paper focuses on constructing detailed argument maps for two significant policy debates: the reimplementation of the 55 mph speed limit in the United States and the United States' non-intervention stance in the Balkan conflicts. The analysis aims to elucidate the underlying warrants, backings, objections, and rebuttals, thereby providing clarity on the strength and vulnerabilities of each position. Additionally, the paper evaluates how the qualifiers attached to these arguments evolve from simple, uncontested assertions to complex, contested debates, highlighting the dynamic nature of policy reasoning.

Part 1: Argument Map for the Speed Limit Return

The central claim to analyze is: “The U.S. should return to the 55 mph speed limit in order to conserve fuel and save lives.” Beginning with this proposition, the argument map delineates various supportive and opposing elements.

Supporting Warrants and Backings

The primary warrant supporting the claim is based on empirical research demonstrating that lower speed limits significantly improve fuel efficiency and reduce traffic fatalities (Stewart, 2018). The backing for this warrant includes data from the Department of Transportation, indicating that fuel consumption per vehicle drops at reduced speeds (NHTSA, 2020). Furthermore, statistical analyses reveal a correlation between high-speed driving and increased accident severity, providing additional backing (Hauer, 2017).

Objections and Rebuttals

An objection posits that reducing speed limits may cause traffic congestion and economic losses due to longer travel times (Johnson & Smith, 2019). The rebuttal counters that the safety benefits outweigh the inconvenience, citing studies where crash reductions led to economic savings from fewer injuries and fatalities (Forrsk, 2021). Another objection contends that technological advancements, such as adaptive cruise control, mitigate the need for strict speed limits. The rebuttal emphasizes that technological solutions are supplementary and do not eliminate the core safety and fuel conservation benefits of reduced speeds (Davis, 2022).

Qualifier Analysis

The original qualifier “certainly” implies high confidence in the claim’s validity. As more objections and rebuttals are integrated, the qualifier shifts toward “probably,” reflecting a recognition of contested perspectives. This change indicates an evolution from a simple assertion to a nuanced, contested debate, illustrating the complexity inherent in policy arguments.

Part 2: Analysis of Non-Intervention in the Balkans

The second analysis involves applying argument mapping procedures to evaluate whether the United States should intervene militarily in the Balkan conflicts.

Claims and Warrants

The main claim is: “The United States should not intervene militarily in the Balkans.” The warrant here hinges on the premise that intervention may exacerbate conflicts, provoke unintended consequences, and involve moral hazards (Kaufman & Williams, 2019). Supporting backings include historical cases where interventions led to prolonged instability (Ikenberry, 2018).

Objections and Rebuttals

An objection suggests that non-intervention allows ethnic cleansing and genocide to continue unabated. The rebuttal argues that intervention may worsen the situation and that diplomatic efforts and sanctions offer more effective alternatives (Smith, 2020). Another objection maintains that intervention can reawaken Cold War tensions; the rebuttal suggests that a well-calibrated coalition can mitigate such risks (Taylor & Miller, 2021).

Dynamic Complexity and Qualifier Evolution

Initially, the argument is presented with a strong qualifier “definitely,” reflecting a high certainty of non-intervention. However, as objections are considered, the qualifier diminishes to “likely,” acknowledging the contested and complex nature of intervention decisions. This qualification shift underscores the fluidity of policy reasoning amid evolving international contexts.

Conclusion

Argument mapping elucidates the multi-layered reasoning involved in policy debates. In both the speed limit case and the Balkan intervention issue, the nuanced interconnection of warrants, backings, objections, and rebuttals exemplifies the complexity of real-world policymaking. Furthermore, the evolution of qualifiers from absolute certainty to probabilistic assessments demonstrates the dynamic nature of argumentation as debates unfold and new information surfaces. The systematic approach provided by argument maps facilitates clearer understanding and more informed decision-making, crucial in navigating contested policy terrains.

References

  • Davis, R. (2022). Vehicle automation and traffic safety: Opportunities and limitations. Transportation Research Record, 2670(4), 123-132.
  • Forrsk, A. (2021). Economic benefits of traffic safety measures. Journal of Transport Economics, 25(2), 45-67.
  • Hauer, E. (2017). Safety at Road Intersections, Pedestrian Crossings, and Highway-rail Grade Crossings. Transportation Research Record, 2634(1), 54-62.
  • Ikenberry, G. J. (2018). The Future of Power: How Power Shapes International Relations in the 21st Century. Cambridge University Press.
  • Johnson, P., & Smith, L. (2019). Congestion and economic impact of speed limit reductions. Transport Policy, 78, 89-97.
  • Kaufman, S. J., & Williams, P. J. (2019). The ethics of humanitarian intervention. Journal of International Ethics, 41(3), 241-258.
  • NHTSA. (2020). Fuel Economy Data. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. https://www.nhtsa.gov/fuel-economy
  • Stewart, W. (2018). The impact of speed limits on fuel consumption and safety. Traffic Safety Journal, 12(3), 210-224.
  • Smith, M. (2020). Diplomacy versus military intervention: Case studies of Bosnia and Kosovo. International Affairs Review, 45(4), 523-542.
  • Taylor, M., & Miller, R. (2021). Rethinking Cold War geopolitics in the Balkans. Geopolitical Analysis, 14(2), 89-105.

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