Rebuttal Argument Essay Topics

Analyzing Armstrong's "The Nature of Mind"

In David M. Armstrong's "The Nature of Mind", Armstrong praises the field of science and seeks to put the concept of mind into terms that agree with science's definition of minds. His interest is in the physico–chemical, materialist view of man. Armstrong considers science to be the authority over other disciplines because of its reliability and result in consensus over disputed questions. Armstrong's main argument is as follows:

P1: Mental states are the inner causes of behavior

P2: The inner causes of behavior are brain states

C: Mental states are brain states.

This argument, in the transitivity of conditionals form, is valid. In order to defend the soundness of it, Armstrong breaks...show more content... p1 in support of P1is coherent with behaviorist beliefs: p1: Mental states are dispositions to behave in certain ways p2: (breaking away from behaviorism) Dispositions are inner states which cause their defining effects c: Mental states are the inner causes of their effects p3: (again agreeing with behaviorism) Effects of mental states are behavior

C: Mental states are the inner causes of behavior. Armstrong does a thorough job of supporting the soundness of his argument. He goes even further by offering an objection and a reply. The objection to Armstrong's causal theory ofmind is the same behaviorists were faced with. That is, it functions for the third–person case, but not the first–person case. The situation of the "automatic driver" is described. The driver is unaware of the fact that mental processes are going on, yet he continues to stay on the road. Armstrong answers this with the idea ofconsciousness as a higher order perception. He defines consciousness as "nothing but perception or awareness of the state of our own mind" and "a self scanning mechanism in the central nervous system". The driver's "inner eye" is shut and is unaware of what is going on inside his mind. This higher order scanning mechanism can be conceived as an inner sense, or an inner state directed towards other inner states. This allows us to make decisions and "behave selectively" towards our own states of mind.

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Argumentative Essay On African Americans

If the Democrats had not kept the status quo from 1964 till now, blacks would have been far better off socially, economically and without a doubt there would be far less blacks incarcerated. It was not the Republicans who labeled African Americans as "Super–Predators." The Democrats, Hillary and her philandering husband Bill Clinton desperately wanted to bring blacks to heel, so they created a crime bill that not only returned blacks to the back of the bus... but, the Dems threw them under it as well. In this 2016 election, Hillary and Bernie both have been preaching how the black man is being incarcerated unjustly. Completely ignoring that it was their parties bill, along with Hillary's enthusiastic, pom–pom waving, support that lead...show more content...

The real shame is African Americans don't even realize that they are just as much a slave now as they were before President Lincoln and the Democrats only acknowledge their subjugated children every four years. For the record if Hillary wins this election on November 9th she will denounce the BLM movement as a terror group and once again bring African Americans to

Prosecution Opening Statement

The Prosecution's Opening Statement

The prosecution opens their case by making a speech to the jury. He introduces himself and states that he is appearing on behalf of the prosecution and introduces the attorney appearing on behalf of the defence. The prosecution will outline each offence and the evidence thejury will hear in proving this. The prosecutions' speech sets out the burden of proof and the standard of proof which they have to prove in order to secure a conviction in the case. This is specific to the offence and will be based on the elements of the offence necessary to show the defendant's guilt. The prosecution's opening statement is a summary of the case at hand and the evidence in which they intend to adduce to prove "beyond a reasonable doubt" that the defendant indeed committed the crime. Where the prosecution propose to adduce a certain item...show more content...

The questioning of witnesses generally falls within three stages which are the examination –in– chief, cross–examination and the re–examination. The first stage, examination–in–chief, is the questioning of a witness by the party calling him .In examination–in–chief the party calling a witness, or counsel on his behalf, will seek to elicit evidence which supports his version of the facts in issue. The witnesses, who have been summoned, will be called on a one by one basis. These witnesses will not be allowed to sit in, communicate, or listen to the trial until they have given their evidence to the court. The witnesses will be taken to the witnesses stand and will normally remain standing until they have finished giving evidence. They will be sworn in to the effect, on the bible or by affirming, that the evidence they are about to give is the truth. The prosecution will then ask the witness a series of questions. This is generally intended for the witnesses to deliver their account of the events in relation to the Get more content

Why School Uniforms Should Be Abolished

Wearing Uniforms in School

Introduction

The issue of whether school uniform ought to be executed in schools has been a continuous open consideration all through America 's educational systems. This instructive change has numerous supporters, who accept that school uniform will diminish theft of designer outfits, gang colors, smear the lines of financial class, and lessening companion power, protect their contention with exploration from genuine cases (Stanley, 1996). Then again, numerous individuals explicitly contradicting the fact and think that uniforms have practically no impact on student 's conduct and performance in school. This argumentative paper will examine why school uniforms are mandatory in public schools (Van Buren, 2009). Many people believe acceptance of school uniform policies will direct to increased school security, student regulation, and studenteducation. More particularly, many have argue that school uniforms assist in reducing school aggression and thievery; stopping gang movement, such as students wearing group colors and gang badge; providing discipline in students; helping students to concentrate on their schoolwork; helping students to resist collective pressure; and serving school officials without difficulty to distinguish school intruders (King, 1998). Nowadays, school uniforms are getting acceptance in public schools of America as they have a considerable influence on education, behavior, discipline and safety in public schools in America. Get more content

Article Rebuttal: Minimum Wage

Over the years there has been much debate about raising the federal minimum wage. Some states have taken it upon themselves to set higher minimum wages than the federal minimum wage, because of the lack of action by congress. The supporters of the raising of the federal minimum wage have been more vocal lately. This is especially true since studies have shown, that the gap has grown between the wealthier population, and the middle class. Recently President Obama, because of the lack of effort and action by congress, has used executive action to implement the raising of the federal minimum wage to $10.10 an hour for new federal contracts, effective 2015. This, naturally, has brought out commentary, studies...show more content...

The Council of Economic Advisers (CEA) said, "Zero is a perfectly reasonable estimate of the impact of the minimum wage on employment". They further argued, that consideration was taken that rising wages boost productivity and reduce employee migration. It is important to note that the CEA members are appointed by the President, to advise him. Also, worth noting, the Democrats are making the minimum wage an issue they are highlighting in the 2014 elections. Public support for this initiative receives support across all facets of society through various polls, but Republicans oppose raising the minimum wage almost unanimously. (Davis, S.)

The findings in the CBO report have parts highlighted by both sides of the argument, where the data is skewed, or parts are overlooked to provide support of each view. There are two sides to this issue. On the surface things appear simple and the question is how does it affect each of us as individuals? Arguments could be made, and most likely will be made, that branch out and take the focus off of the true issues. I can see arguments for not raising the wage turn into this seen as an attack on Americans freedom, too much government control, this will impede innovation, make the U.S. less competitive and even this being seen as an attack on capitalism. In support of the rising wage, I can see the comparison to big oil, steel and the railroad monopolies of the late 1800 and early 1900's. Even the necessity of government stepping in Get more content

Examples Of Valid Arguments

1.A valid argument is an argument which has a conclusion that follows its premises. The premises can be true or false. When one or both premises are false it is possible that the argument seems completely valid, but it has false conclusion. An example for a valid argument which has a false premise is:

Permise1: If dog can fly.

Permise2: Terrier is a kind of dog

Conclusion: terrier can fly

(Here the argument is valid, but the first premise is false, and makes the argument unsound. A valid argument can have true premises which lead to a true conclusion as well. For example:

Permise1: Human needs water to stay alive.

Permise2: John is human.

Conclusion: John needs water to stay alive. This kind of argument is valid and sound because it has...show more content...

Aristotle argues that practice virtues, and learning from virtuous people enable us to flourish. To become a good person, we must practice virtuous acts regularly. Gradually, these acts become our habits. Good habits and moral virtues are the principle to have a good and happy life. Virtuous people train us how to be more virtuous. Aristotle explains that if we want to achieve moral excellence, we need to practice the virtues. Moreover, we need virtues friends, and a moral exemplar to imitate them to improve our virtues. As we develop our moral behavior, we gradually will find more happiness in our lives. Although Aristotle admits that health, success, and money play an important role to make a person happy, he argues that the virtues are the most important factors that determine one is truly happy or not. So, just thinking of virtues is not

What Makes An Effective Argument Ineffective?

1.The basic parts of an effective argument are a stated clearly defined issue, makes a claim, and offers support for that claim. Sometimes an argument may also recognize opposing viewpoints and incorporate them into the argument

2.What makes an argument ineffective is when using emotional appeals to distract a reader from a lack of evidence. Also the use of faulty reasoning, and inaccurate facts.

3.An issue is a problem, controversy, or an idea that people can have different viewpoints about. The term claim is a point in which a writer is trying to prove. This is typically the writer's viewpoint on the issue. A refutation is recognizing and auguring against opposing viewpoints.

4.A claim of value focuses on an opinion or judgment about

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Arguments Against Childhood Vaccinations

Childhood Vaccinations (For & Against)

For:

During the 20th century, the advancement of immunizations was perhaps the greatest beneficial public health measure. Vaccine manufacturers' work with society to develop safe and effective means of vaccinations to decrease both compliance with vaccinations, but the cost. Despite smaller public groups trying to go against the administration of vaccinations, causing suspicion and misconception, many people still trust the benefits of vaccinations in comparison to the risk of not receiving them. One of the biggest steps in allowing society, families, parents to understand the benefits and to build a trusting relationship with vaccinations, is to first and foremost educate them. During this year,...show more content...

These eight children all displayed gastrointestinal signs/symptoms, along with lymphoid nodular hyperplasia revealed on endoscope. Following these observations, Wakefield proposed that MMR vaccine caused intestinal inflammation that led to translocation of usually non–permeable peptides into the bloodstream subsequently leading to the brain, where they affected the development and growth in Get

Argumentative Essay On Capital Punishment

"I think capital punishment works great. Every killer you kill never kills again" (Brainy Quotes). As far back as the death penalty began, it was established as a punishment in the United States in 1608. Britain influenced America's use of the death penalty more than any other country had. When European settlers came to the new world, the settlers practiced the capital punishment. The first execution was set in the new colony of Jamestown Virginia. Although some may say the death penalty is wrong and cruel, the penalty is necessary so that people in the world or society feel like justice is being made.

A strong connection between executions andmurder rates. Multiple studies have shown that there is a direct connection between executions...show more content...

Despite expenses incurred by the government from imposing capital punishment, death penalty is still cheap compared to the cost of life without parole. Studies have shown that the death penalty cost less. This connection can be made based on how much they serve yearly and cost of the execution. Serving their sentences cost up to 90,000 per year, this does not include health care and food expenses. According to the statics 90,000 per year can add up. This depends on how many years a person could serve, depending on how serious the crime is. A person could serve up to 25 years, by the time the 25 years are up, it can cost over 2,000,000. People who complain about the cost are the reason it was created. "Much of the cost indeed, much of the criticism of the death penalty, is attributed to decades of appeals. It is unsurprising that the loudest complaints about death penalty delays comes from death penalty opponents who have created them" (Evnen). This would not be a problem if the criminal would think before they do. For example, they do not take into consideration that the increase in the cost of life without parole. "Criminal defendants who are facing the death penalty which today must be pleaded by prosecutors up front, often want to make a deal by pleading guilty to first degree murder in exchange for a sentencing recommendation of life without parole. The existence of the death penalty as a possible sentence leads to guilty pleas that the money spent on trails and Get more content

Longer School Days: Why We Shouldn't Lengthen the Day We have all seen the debate in the news no matter what area of Illinois you may live in, whether or not the Chicago Public Schools should lengthen the school day. In an online forum it states that during a meeting Chicago Public Schools CEO Jean–Claude Brizard vowed to add 90 minutes to each school day and two weeks to the school year by the fall of 2012. (Erbentraut J. 2011) TheChicago Public School board, CPS teachers' union and Chicago mayor Rahm Emmanuel need to take into consideration the effects that lengthening the school day by an additional 90 minutes will have on students, parents, teachers, and the school community. Lengthening the school day will have several negative...show more content...

Students feel as though schools try to contain them and that they are not able to be themselves. They are forced to sit in a chair for a certain amount of time and to quietly complete assignments. The thought of this recurring activity results in students caring less about school, which eventually makes their grades decrease. By shortening the school days, students wouldn't be as distressed about going to school and their grades would be higher. Fewer school hours per day would permit students to have enough time to study, complete school assignments, participate in after–school activities and be able to get to bed by a decent hour." Rachel D, Teen Talk student writer. The student above is just one of the many voices on the forum echoing the distaste for longer schools days. The pressure to balance the school workload is overwhelming and without the proper supports and teaching students how to balance the work, longer school days will not be the solution and instead serve as a detriment to the students and their success. Teachers also have a voice when it comes to longer school days. I asked a teacher I know that works for the Chicago Public schools his view point and he was able to see both sides of the situation but when it came to pay he was not willing to budge. I asked him to log all the hours he works in a week for me to see how many hours a typical teacher puts in during a

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Across the nation, people are talking about the Millennial generation and how different they are compared to others, but are they really that different? Millennials are lazy, entitled, and selfish, or as you may have heard may be essential to the modern workplace, either way, they are being talked about whether it is good or bad. To put it in other words, past generations are concerned for what the future will look like with this technology–dependent generation, but is that a bad thing if the technology is only going to advance from here on out? The older generation is being too harsh or are they just genuinely concerned about the future? Joel Stein (2013) has written an article about the Millennials, it is titled Millennials: The Me Me Me Generation he argues for them being a selfish generation but by saying that it is not a bad thing. The second article is by Liz Zarka (2017) Generation Me: The Millennial Generation's obsession with being unique, she argues that they are the generation that needs to be concerned for. After reading both of these articles I agree with some of the points that both of these authors make, however, there are also some sections that I disagree with. My perception of the situation is that millennials may have all these negative characteristics but use them to an advantage that no other generation can has; along with the advancement of technology and the use of social media may have increased the narcissistic trait in them, but they use these traits to get what they want, however, being narcissistic isn't always good there can certainly be some disadvantages. Liz Zarka's (2017) article starts off her argument with an example demonstrating that Millennials narcissistic, the example she uses is social media, how one will post about how great their mother is on Mother's Day. She asks her readers why did they post this, is it because they are trying to convince the world their mother is the best or that their mother is going to see the post and appreciate it? In asking these questions she leads to the point of her argument, millennials are trying so hard to be unique, as she states in the title. In Zarka's (2017) view, "It's not difficult to observe the manifestation of our Get more content

Despite North America's large slave population, there were few powerful slave revolts before 1831. Slaves were complacent and passive so most southern slave owners probably felt like they had enough control over their slaves. This way of thinking was completely changed by Nat Turner's rebellion. This violent slave revolt showed people what slaves were really capable of. White southerners saw how slaves were smart enough to organize and plan a resistance and because they were getting tired of being oppressed. Even though Nat Turner's rebellion was considered unsuccessful being that it was shut down in a matter of days, it was successful in that it had a long lasting effect on slavery. This level of success can be attributed to the fact that...show more content...

When Thomas R. Gray asks Nat Turner what led him to revolt he says:

Having soon discovered to be great, I must appear so, and therefore studiously avoided mixing in society, and wrapped myself in mystery, devoting my time to fasting and prayer–By this time, having arrived to man's estate, and hearing the scriptures commented on at meetings, I was struck with that particular passage which says: "Seek ye the kingdom of Heaven and all things shall be added unto you." I reflected much on this passage, and prayed daily for light on this subject–As I was praying one day at my plough, the spirit spoke to me, saying, "Seek ye the kingdom of Heaven and all things shall be added unto you. (Gray 9)

After two years of continuous prayer, Turner had this same revelation again, confirming that he was "ordained for some great purpose in the hands of the Almighty" (Gray 9). He soon ran away from his plantation but returned a month later. He told his fellow slaves that he came back because "the Spirit appeared to me and said I had my wishes directed to the things of this world, and not to the kingdom of heaven, and that I should return to the service of my earthly master" (Klein). In 1825 Turner had his first vision. He claims to have seen a battle between black and white spirits with a darkened sun while thunder rolled and blood flowed into the waters. He says he heard a voice saying,

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Electoral College

Despite the Electoral College system being founded by the founding fathers in America and being there as long as the Constitution exists, many people still do not have sufficient knowledge on how it works. The Electoral College does not provide honest presidential elections rather it has the potential to undo the will of people at any point from the selection of electors to the vote tallying in Congress (Shaw, 3). Electoral College in the United States has played a major role in depressing the voter's turnout. Every State is given an equal number of electoral votes despite the population and in turn, the system has put in place no measure to encourage the voters to take part in the elections. Besides, the system distorts ...show more content...

The system is obsolete owing to the new methods of research and becoming aware of issues as well as faster sharing of information for the Americans to know any presidential candidate. Besides, United States of America has witnessed growth almost in every aspect of life and has shown the ability to handle new developments articulating the strength of the country to establish and manage a new electoral system. The reality that most of the states do not have laws requiring electors to vote according to the will of their state, the electors are unbound thus the system create the possibility of rogue electors. Also, the system presents a situation where the presidentialelection winner is determined by the House of Representatives causing disenfranchising a significant number of voters.

Another problem surrounding the Electoral College system is that it allows one–party states, states that almost always go to one party. In this context, a Democrat who casts a vote in a mostly Republican state feels that his vote is wasted because of no way that state will be won by a Democrat. Besides, the system is based on two–party elections, the Democrat and the Republican leaving Americans with two candidates to choose (Belenky, 364). The voters end up picking the candidate with fewer issues rather than the one they support. In my opinion, people feel that Electoral College has single–handedly defeated

Argumentative Essay Quotes

Cabute, Jeanette Anne H. BSIE–HE 4A

Quotation:

1."Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending." –Maria Robinson

Explanation: Our lives are full of ups and downs. Often we get so caught up with the downs in our lives that we fall into depression. We feel that everything in life is falling apart. You regret the choices you've made in the past and feel that you have failed in life. Understand that you cannot go back in time and undo choices you've made but that you can stop yourself from repeating the past by making smarter decisions so that you can have a better future.

Reaction: Yes, our life is full of up and downs. We also cannot change the past, but we can make better things or choices...show more content... If we try new things we're going to make a few mistakes but we are learning from that mistake. If you don't make any mistakes, you're in a rut and not trying anything new. Mistakes are part of our lives, we cannot change it, and we just have to take the risk. Nothing is impossible if we try new things and nothing will lose if you try right.

4."The heart has its reasons which reason knows not." –Blaise Pascal

Explanation: The heart, the organ capable of storing love can also reason. Its reasoning makes all the sense in the world to the heart and to the heart's owner when the owner first hears it. It's the reasoning that makes you fall in love at first sight. It's the reasoning that somehow makes it so hard to let somebody go even though you have no logical reason to want that person to stay.

Reaction: The quote means that you have to listen to your heart. Just like in love, you just only knew that you love that person but you don't know why. We fall in love in a mutual weirdness and called it love.

5."When love is not madness it is not love." –Pedro CalderГіn de la Barca

Explanation: The actual quote is when love is not madness, it is not love, and it is by Pedro Calderon. Love in its self is madness. Love brings to life so many different emotions that it is like a chaos in your

Abortion: Affirmative Position Debate Outline

Abortion Background

Abortion has been a controversial issue in the American society for decades. It is one that is argued among thousands if not millions of prochoice and prolife advocates. Pro–choice advocates believe that it is a woman's right to choose whether or not she wants to follow through with a pregnancy regardless of the circumstances. In some cases women find themselves in difficult socioeconomic, health or emotional situations and thereby abortions are necessary in order for them to live fulfilling lives. On the other hand, pro–life advocates suggest that there are other viable options than abortion, such as adoption. This is because pro–life advocates believe that a child's life begins at the time of conception and thus it has rights. In addition, pro–life advocates believe that abortion causes many detrimental health and mental side effects. However, prochoice advocates believe that legalized abortion is the best way to protect a mother's autonomy. In addition to being the most appropriate as well as the safest way to deal with an unplanned or unwanted pregnancy.

Affirmative Argument & Opposing viewpoints

Argument #1:

Pro–choice advocates believe that a woman has full right to choose what she wants to do with her own body. Having a child can be an emotionally, physically as well as a financially grueling situation to have to deal with for a woman who is not in a position to support a child. In addition, Get more content

Internet Has Done More Harm Than Good .

1st Speaker Opposition

Thank you Madam speaker .

Assalamualaikum and a very good morning to Madam speaker of the House, the respected panel of adjudicators, the ever–precise timekeeper, my worthy opponents, ladies and gentlemen members of the Parliament .

As the Opposition Leader, it would be my duty to refute the motion for today Internet Has Done More Harm than Good . We believe that Internet Has Done More Good than Harm . The government team, ladies and gentlemen may throw the sand of confusion and untruth in your face to hide the actual fact. However, I'm confident after we are finished ,everyone will be convinced and had to agree with us on the contrary.

On the whole, it seems that the...show more content... Even influential people as Thomas Edison, William Levenson, B.F. Skinner and many others proclaimed that new technological devices such as internet would vastly increase student's interest in learning. Therefore, ladies and gentlemen, it is undeniable that internet brings lots of benefits to students because it provides them with a quick access to the vast amount of resources that could attract them to study. My colleagues will further convince you that Internet Has Done More Good Than Harm with their concrete arguments.

Wabillahitaufik walhidayah wassalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarokatu .

With that I bow, thank you

Internet Does More Good Than Harm

2nd Speaker Opposition

Thank you Madam Speaker.

Madam speaker of the House, the respected panel of adjudicators, the ever–precise timekeeper, my worthy opponents, ladies and gentlemen members of the parliament, good morning to all.

As the Deputy Opposition Leader, it would be my duty to continue the battle by refuting all The misunderstood facts put forward by the government team and convinced you that Internet Has Done More Good Than Harm .The government team, ladies and gentlemen, has made all of here confuse by telling us that...(Rebuttal) Therefore, ladies and gentlemen, bear with us and after we are finished I am convinced that you will agree that Internet Has Done More Good Than Harm . Now let me proceed with our second argument which is Internet can improve students' communication skill.

Ladies and Gentlemen, if

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Millennials, a group of people who were born in the year 1984 and after. There are millions of them and they are our future. According to Simon Sinek, millennials "are accused of being entitled and narcissistic, self interested, unfocused and lazy." Even though Millennials lack in some aspects, he believes that parenting, technology, impatience and environment is to blame. As a millennial, I totally agree with Sinek's point because I am affected by all the variables that he listed ever since birth. Millennials did not do anything wrong but, the way they were raised affected their attitudes. Sinek says that there are four reasons why Millennials have such a selfish attitude. The first point he gives out is parenting. Parents made millennials feel really important and special. He says that millennials can obtain everything they want because their parents spoil them too much. Simon Sinek states, "You take this group of people and they graduate and they get a job and they're thrust into the real world and in an instant they find out they are not special, their mom's can't get them a promotion, that you get nothing for coming in last and by the way you can't just have it because you want it. In an instant their entire self image is shattered." (Sinek, 2016) Sineks point is that parents make their children feel empowered but then then they start work and realise that they can not always get what they want. The next point he makes is technology. Millennials these days are caught up on their phone with a lot of different social media accounts. Sinek observes that millennials use social media to hide the fact that they are actually empty inside. He agrees that technology is very addicting and it makes them feel good. Sinek says, "An entire generation now has access to an addictive, numbing chemical called dopamine, through cellphones and social media, while they are going through the high stress of adolescence. " (Sinek 2016) He makes it clear that millennials aren't able to handle their feelings because instead of getting help from people, they turn to their technology. Millennials depend too much on their devices and always rely on them for almost every single task. The third thing that affects this

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Reagan And Carter Debate Analysis

In the debate between sitting president Jimmy Carter and Republican challenger Ronald Reagan, Reagan's arguments and explanations best match the available evidence. Carter claims his policies had reduced the inflation rate by 10 percent in less than a year, and points to the 9 million jobs he had provided to reduce unemployment rates. Reagan refutes this by mentioning that while Carter may have decreased the inflation rate from the beginning of the year, the inflation rate increased from 4.4 percent at the start of his presidency to almost 12 percent now. A graph provided by Edgenuity proves this to be true, therefore current evidence supports Reagan's claim. Reagan also mentions the 8 million people unemployed at the time of the debate, and

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Mandatory Vaccination Argumentative Essay

Mandatory vaccinations have been hotly debated in the United States for over two centuries, making the argument almost as old as the country itself. As early as 1809, Massachusetts became the first state to mandate the world's premiere vaccine. Authorities recognized the life–saving benefits of the smallpox vaccine. They chose to require inoculation to protect the community from further outbreaks. Public outrage ensued as some community members feared the new vaccine and believed they should be able to choose if they wished to receive it. The most vocal protestors formed anti–compulsory vaccination groups and were successful in getting laws overturned in many states. However, even the United States Supreme Court has upheld states' rights to require immunization. (A) Vaccinations should be...show more content...

Despite significant progress in the fight against preventable disease, millions still die needlessly each year. According to UNICEF, originally known as the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund, a vaccine preventable disease is responsible for 2 million fatal infections worldwide each year. About 75% of these deaths occur in children under five years of age. (N) In more vivid terms, UNICEF notes that vaccine–preventable diseases kill a child every 20 seconds. (D) Due to high rates of childhood vaccination, the United States has experienced a dramatic reduction in such deaths. A comparison of the years 1950 and 2010 clearly illustrates the benefits of vaccinations. During this 60–year period, deaths from diphtheria reduced from 410 to 0, tetanus from 336 to 3, pertussis from 1,118 to 26, and polio from 1,904 to 0. Measles deaths dropped from 468 in 1950 to 0 in 2008, the last year a United States death rate was recorded. It's not surprising that vaccinations have been touted as one of the top ten health achievements of the 20th century by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Don Marquis' "Why Abortion is Immoral"

In his essay "Why Abortion is Immoral," Don Marquis argues against the morality of abortion on the premise that the value of a fetus' future is so great that it is immoral to take that potential future away from it. Essentially, he contends,abortion is tantamount to murder: killing an individual is prima facie wrong because the loss of the goods of one's future is the worst loss a human can suffer. He calls this potential future a "future–like–ours," which is the basis for his contentions. In the next few pages I will delineate the general progression of his argument, and later, will evaluate the plausibility of said argument. Though Marquis makes both logical and compelling claims, there are...show more content... He might argue that though the child will suffer, he still has a potential future in which he formulate goals, and have experiences and projects. However, we must note that during his argument, Marquis says "If the patient's future is intolerable...we want our account to allow killing the patient" and that "it is the value of the patient's future which is doing the work in rendering the morality of killing the patient intelligible" (561). Obviously, a quandary arises. Does the fetus in our example have a future that is less valuable than that of a normal one? Can we justify aborting this fetus, because although he will be rational and most likely capable of having experiences, the scope of his suffering will be exceedingly great? Are we in any sort of position to prescribe the value of someone else's future without knowing exactly how it will play out? So while it is plausible that Marquis would still argue from an anti–abortionist stance due to its potential future, this decision will very probably not sit well with the parents who have to watch their child suffer throughout his shortened life. This is one ambiguity that exists in Marquis' argument that has no easy answer, and is worth noting. We must recognize that cannot say with such conviction that we know what a future–like–ours entails. It seems presumptuous to assert that a future–like–ours is always a positive thing; how can we account for the fetus in the previous example, or Get more content