Rehabilitation of Criminals
Here is some background on the assignments followed by the Instructions. Both sides must be willing to live with the fact that it is rare to have total agreement on issues and compromise is a natural part of progress. You may have to give something up. Keep in mind, however, that the common ground section is the section where you, the writer, pivot from looking at both sides in the ethical debate section to leaning into one side of the argument more persuasively, based on good reasoning of course. You want to come to an agreement yes, but you also want to make the argument for why your perspective is better. The goal is to address the opposing viewpoint’s flawed ethical underpinnings, while maintaining respect for their perspective. INSTRUCTIONS The Value of Common Ground State – simply and clearly – the value of finding common ground for this problem. How will both sides benefit, if we find common ground? Show Your Opponent that You Hear Them Describe what the opposing side cares most deeply about. Where is the line in the sand? What should this side be willing to give up? Address the ethical view that underlies this side of the issue. Gently, describe the main reason why this argument is flawed by identifying its weakness. Articulate Your Own Side Clearly Describe what your side cares most about deeply. What is the non-negotiable item? What would your side willing to give up. What is the ethical value that serves as the foundation of this side? On what grounds is your side stronger? Why does this make your side stronger? Ethical Persuasion Address, in more detail, why the opposing arguments ethical underpinnings may be flawed and need a rethinking and why your side has the stronger ethical argument. Find the Point of Change Explain the common ground. In other words, in what area, do both sides agree, or at least have room to give something up in a compromise or come together to gain something, in the form of a solution? Transition Briefly transition to the the conclusion, where the compromise or solution will be described in more detail.