Journal 5

Journal #5 – from Thomas Paine’s “Common Sense” (p.95-6)

1. Identify the specific argument that Paine is making in each paragraph.  For each of the arguments, identify whether Paine is making an emotional, ethical, or logical appeal and suggest an effective counterargument.

          #1 Paine’s argument is that we need to stand up to Britain and they are being treated like slaves by being taxed so much. Paine is making an emotional appeal to the reader to support his argument. A counter argument is that Britain is sovereign over the colonies so they can tax them if they like. He uses non-sequiter by comparing taxation to slavery.

         

          #2 Paine is saying God is on their side and He will not let them lose. It is an ethical or moral argument. They are morally right so God will support them. The counter argument is that the British King is supposedly appointed by God so why would God help the Americans over the British if God chose who leads the British. Saying God is on your side is dogmatic. The logical fallacies are begging the question because they say God is on their side but it can’t be proved. He used argument from authority and begging the question.

          #3 America would not be happy and at its best if it did not separate from Britain. Paine says we should fight now because it is not right to let the children fight later on but for the people to fight right now. Logical part says it will happen sooner or later, emotional part and ethical part is about doing it for the children. There is always going to be problems with Britain so it is better to break away now. A counter argument is that the parents could die and that would have a negative effect on the children. Begging the question is used because it is not guaranteed that they are going to win the war.

          #4 He uses argument by analogy to call the King of Britain a thief. He says we are not supposed to just sit there and take it when the King does bad things like we wouldn’t sit there is a thief broke into our house. We should fight because the King has trampled on our rights and we must fight back after what he has done. Counter argument is that the King has the rights to do what he wants unlike a thief. He says that the King will be haunted by all the people that he has wronged in his doings.