Duke University Anaconda Python Install Project

The assignment will include
statements of fact, but the goal of the essay is to establish something
that cannot be empirically verified: the meaning of a word.

As you
may have experienced when composing the Fact Paper, our ability to make
an argument is limited when we cannot appeal to values. Contrary to the
belief that values diminish the validity of an argument by rendering it
mere opinion, values are a necessary part of argument. Indeed, they are
the very heart of argument. This is the case in part because evaluative
terms are notoriously difficult to define.

To establish what is
meant by any evaluative word, we must rely on precedent and context. We
can refer to authoritative sources such as dictionaries, but we must
also take into account common usage and intent. In the case of words
like hot, cold, short, or tall, there may be
specific temperatures or heights that we can all agree define that
term. There is no such widespread agreement for other evaluative terms,
especially cultural values.

Cultural values are key terms to which
we appeal again and again when deciding a course of action. They are
values that most people would agree are fundamental to our society, even
if we cannot agree on their definition. Examples of cultural values
are: freedom, happiness, efficiency, maturity, ingenuity, independence,
health, security, life, criminality, responsibility, and sustainability.

This
assignment is designed to give you practice in another technique of
persuasive writing, that of defining a cultural value or other key term
in such a way that seems credible to your reader. Your ability to
credibly define your terms will help you to contribute to a range of
public discourse in influential ways.

Instructions

Identify
an instance in a document, broadcast, or conversation in which the
meaning an author assigns to a word is debatable. You are not looking
for an instance in which someone uses a term incorrectly, such as using
the word “antidote” to refer to a short story. Rather, you are looking
for an instance in which a person applies a word to an object or
situation and you disagree with the person’s evaluation of that object
or situation.

When you have your example, then answer for yourself
the following question: Why is it important to dispute the meaning of
that word? Your answer to that question will eventually become the
thesis of your paper.

Begin your essay by summarizing your
example, presenting your thesis, and previewing your definition of the
disputed word. Following your introduction, present your research on
your word that supports the usage for which you advocate.

There
are a number of ways to establish a precedent for a preferred meaning of
a term, including reference to a dictionary, though that reference
should not be limited to Merriam Webster’s.

You can trace the etymology of your word in the Oxford English Dictionary, which is available electronically via the university library: http://catalog.sjlibrary.org/record=b1879016~S1 (Links to an external site.)

Other dictionaries you can search include:

legal: http://www.legal-dictionary.org/ (Links to an external site.)

medical: http://www.online-medical-dictionary.org/ (Links to an external site.)

philosophical: <a href="http://www.philosophypages.com/dy/index.htm” class=”external” target=”_blank” rel=”noreferrer noopener”>http://www.philosophypages.com/dy/index.htm (Links to an external site.)

slang: http://www.urbandictionary.com/ (Links to an external site.)

Another
way to establish the meaning of a term is to show how others use it,
even if that usage is common only to a certain group of people. To do
this, you will need to compile examples of others using your word in the
manner for which you advocate. This research might include reference to
the term’s equivalent in other languages.

A third strategy for
establishing the meaning of a term is to define related terms. For
instance, if you are establishing the meaning of maturity, you may also want to define experienced, responsible, and established.

After
establishing a precedent for your preferred meaning, explain the
difference it will make to use that meaning over another. In this
section of the paper, you will want to provide specific examples of how
the word’s meaning can or will influence decision-making and social
action.

Conclude your paper with a brief summary of your argument and re-statement of your thesis.

Paper should be 6 pages double spaced