Both Sides of the Issue

One of the biggest problems related to arguing both sides of the issue appears to be removing yourself on each side of the argument. We all have a tendency to write in a forceful tone on the side with which we agree, but when the time comes to argue the other side, we take on a more detached tone. Here is my example of what NOT to do:

Position Statement: Euthanasia is an inexcusable solution for dog population management in the United States.

Side A: Euthanasia is cruel because it relies on killing dogs in order to maintain the population. It also means that dogs who were not given a fair chance with a good owner lose the possibility to have a fair chance with a second owner. Euthanasia is not unlike capital punishment, but unlike capital punishment, euthanasia happens to dogs who have often done nothing wrong. The world is also over-crowded as a result of people overpopulating the planet, but we are not using euthanasia on people.

Side B: People who are in favor of euthanasia argue that it would be more inhumane to allow too many dogs to stay cooped up in shelters. They also say that euthanasia is so often necessary for dogs who can't be kept in residences as a result of biting, running, and other aggression-related problems. This side also states that sometimes unpleasant solutions must be used to solve unpleasant problems. Euthanasia may be unpleasant, but this side shows how it would be more unpleasant to have countless dogs roaming free because there are not enough homes available.

Notice how the first side is spoken as though it is the opinion of the writer. This paragraph shows no separation from the argument stated and the person making the argument. It also does not get caught up in the idea of "I think" or "we should" because, as an educated audience, we know that we are likely reading the opinion of the person doing the writing. More importantly, a good research paper means the sources of the writer are more important than the writer himself.

In the second paragraph, the writer has separated himself. Repeated statements such as "this side" and "people say" establish a distinction between the person speaking, in this case the writer, and the sentiments the writer holds. A good example of objectivity means the writer can present both opinions as though they are his own. See my next blog for examples of what you SHOULD do.