10 Questions

1. How did racism begin?
2. Is trhe judicial system truly fair?
3. Why do people commit suicide?
4. Why is physian assisted suicide illegal?
5. Why is college education not free?
6. How did social fundalism evolve?
7. How do you interpret dreams?
8. Is stem cell research right?
9. Does mythology have a sense of truth?
10. Why are some people mentality unstable?

Chapter 9 Rhetorical Precis

In the informative book “Good Reasons” (2012), Lester Faigley and Jack Selzer assert that cause and effect is a powerful tool as long as the person writes a clear claim.  The authors support their claim by discussing John Stuart Mill’s four ways of how to find causes: the common factor method, the single difference method, concomitant variation, and process of elimination.  Their purpose was to show the reader how to build a causal argument in order for the reader to think beyond the obvious cause and find the deeper cause.  Their tone was very informative and forward; they provided concise steps of how to build an effective casual argument.  

Chapter 7 Rhetorical Precis

In their book “Good Reasons,” Lester Faigley and Jack Selzer assert that one must always find a purpose for writing an argument.  Faigley and Selzer support their claims by providing an example of a car crash cause by a drunk driver.  The author’s purpose was to show the audience the importance of defining the topic in order for the writer to write about complex issues.  The author’s tone is highly knowledgeable, they give several options and allow the reader to see different incidents and writing topics.   

Should Information Be Free?

The digital age has affected every traditional concept and money has become the center of our universe.  Currently, information is restricted to only individuals who subscribe and provide payments.  In the future, the subscription process may become less expensive and many predict that information will easily be accessible and free. Considering the cycle of producing articles, the raw talent does not make a dime.  The authors of these articles have put more time and research.  They should be receiving all the profits from their product.  Since the authors do not make any profit, they write and research to express their knowledge, they are doing all the work for free.  Why should people pay to seek free knowledge from a professional?  From society's point of view, free information would be an ideal world but for the businesses, "free" is the worst situation. 

In this article, Malcolm Gladwell discusses a strong concept: Free psychology.  Free obtains every person in the world.  For example, free samples at Costco.  Most people would not try the sample if they had to pay money.  Even if it were ten cents, many people would pass.  The word “free” is a trigger word that attracts everyone.  Since most people are not willing to spend, subscriptions are pointless and will become obsolete.  In reality, the articles that are most utilized are the free ones.  Wikipedia is a perfect example.  When a person is using the Google search engine, Wikipedia is the first source and is viewed by many. 

To demonstrate what one student from MIT did was wrong but yet he believed that free access of the articles in the MIT library should be free.  Aaron downloaded the articles in MIT library and posted them in the Internet for free access.  Aaron had the right mentality and good intentions, but he still broke the law.  There are many other ways to achieve a “free” world.  When he was taken to trial, he committed suicide.  Aaron’s death can be interpreted in numerous ways.  Some may believe he was a coward who could not obtain accountability.  Although some believe that theory, Aaron’s death still sent a message and it will open the eyes of many to the idea of “free” information. 

Rhetorical Precis by Woodworth

In the article “The Rhetorical Précis” (1988), Margaret K. Woodworth asserts that young writers lack the ability to identify the rhetorical features and the choices of other authors.   Woodworth supports her claims by developing a technique and writing process; the rhetorical précis “acknowledges the rhetorical situation in which any discourse occurs and implicitly emphasizing the human responsibility involved both in writing and in interacting with a text” (157).  Her purpose was to explain the rhetorical précis results in order for teachers and students to develop this concise yet detailed writing technique.  Her tone throughout the article was extremely informative and confident in her techniques.   

Rhetoric Review, Vol. 7, No. 1. (Autumn, 1988), pp. 156-164.

Rhtorical Precis of Aaron Swartz, Coder and Activist, Dead at 26

In the article “Aaron Swartz, Coder and Activist, Dead at 26,” Kevin Poulsen asserts that the government has bullied a victim into suicide.  Poulsen supports his claims by explaining Aaron’s crimes and rightful punishment  but also his emense talents he contributed to the world.  The purpose of this article was to show the complexity of each case in order to raise questions about how our government trials individuals.  The author reveals a sympatheic tone to the vitim and criminal, Aaron Swartz.