Henry David Thoreau argues that government is not needed. He believes that the individual is capable of governing itself because this would eventually have a positive effect on the society. However, Thoreau's idea of society is only valid if everyone in the society shares the same views.
People do not always share the same opinions. The United States is a perfect example of differing ideas. The United States thrives off of differing opinions and cultures because of the different perspectives they give. One idea is not always better than any other, it is simply a different way of looking at something. When these cultures and ideas do not mesh however, we find that a government is needed to step in.
An extreme case is September 11th. A few men of different cultures and views were able to kill thousands. The government has now stepped in and completely altered airport security because of this one horrific incident. If the individual governed itself, a situation such as September 11th could occur at anytime.
Speeders are another example of behavior that could disrupt Thoreau's idea of society. Because the individual would decide his own speed limit, different drivers would have variations in speed making the road a hazardous place to be. Speed limits are in place to protect society from individuals' differing ideas what correct speed limits.
Because Thoreau's theory's strength lies in the individual, the individual also limits the theory. The differing ideas, cultures, and opinions make it extremely difficult to have a self governing society.
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Blog #3 "Genocide Project"
Abortion is a touchy subject. Many different opinions make for many different arguments. Pathos plays an important part in any argument for abortion, and can make for an effective argument against it. The protesters on pedestrian walkway are a clear example of the use of pathos. Pictures comparing abortion to the holocaust and domestic abuse are sure to appeal to ideas common to an extremely large audience. Because of the appeal to deep emotional feelings, arguments are stirred, allowing pro life supporters to share their opinion.
The protest is effective in the sense that it inspires arguments. However, there is no logic to the comparisons. Why is abortion the same as domestic abuse or genocide? The casual student walking by on the way to class would not understand these comparisons. It is up to the audience to search for more information. As the instigator of an argument, it is important to give the audience facts as well as thought provoking images.
However, the reason for the protest was to provoke the common passerby's thoughts on the subject of abortion. Therefore, it was an extremely effective display because it appealed to the universal morals that are shared by a wide audience.
The protest is effective in the sense that it inspires arguments. However, there is no logic to the comparisons. Why is abortion the same as domestic abuse or genocide? The casual student walking by on the way to class would not understand these comparisons. It is up to the audience to search for more information. As the instigator of an argument, it is important to give the audience facts as well as thought provoking images.
However, the reason for the protest was to provoke the common passerby's thoughts on the subject of abortion. Therefore, it was an extremely effective display because it appealed to the universal morals that are shared by a wide audience.
Monday, September 5, 2011
Rhetorical Analysis: Machiavelli's "The Qualities of the Prince"
Machiavelli writes during a time when Italy had not been formed yet. Only a loosely connected group of powerful city-states with constantly changing rulers existed. Machiavelli himself was affected greatly by these shifts in power. He wrote "The Qualities of the Prince" to convey his idea of the strong, active, and in his own eyes, perfect ruler to the current ruling family, the Medicis.
Logos is evident in Machiavelli's argument for a strong ruler in his concise wording and great knowledge of the subject. Machiavelli's approach to the argument is almost business-like, giving the reader the facts in addition to the writer's own opinion. When speaking of armed leaders versus unarmed leaders, Machiavelli brings up Francesco Sforza, and how he became a duke because he was armed while his sons who were not armed became private citizens (40). This use of supporting examples to help fuel the logos of his rhetoric is prevalent throughout Machiavelli's work. However, it can be dangerous to use inductive reasoning because not all situations may support Machiavelli's claim. Logos may be one of the more common rhetorical themes that is used throughout "The Qualities of the Prince."
Nevertheless, Machiavelli's writing is not void of ethos and pathos. Machiavelli shows a genuine concern for his audience creating an air of trust providing the ethos that the readers can feel. The greater good of the nation is often considered, even though he may seem cruel in his ways of approaching it.
"With very few examples of cruelty [the prince] will be more compassionate than those who, out of excessive mercy, permit disorders to continue... for these harm the community at large."(Machiavelli 45)
Machiavelli emphasizes the difficulty of the decisions that need to be made by the prince, while still keeping the ultimate goal of peace and prosperity in sight. Later in the paragraph, Machiavelli uses vivd language to describe the faults of man and why a feared leader is necessary (46). This pathos would surely inspire an iron fist in any leader.
Machiavelli's "The Qualities of the Prince" takes a stringent position on the proper way to govern a nation. This view most likely would not be accepted with a more current audience in the United States, but with an audience in the early 1500s in Italy, the ideas would be accepted. A strong government that is extremely active in citizens lives is not needed now, but with the constantly changing powers of Italy, an iron fisted ruler would be welcomed.
Nevertheless, Machiavelli's writing is not void of ethos and pathos. Machiavelli shows a genuine concern for his audience creating an air of trust providing the ethos that the readers can feel. The greater good of the nation is often considered, even though he may seem cruel in his ways of approaching it.
"With very few examples of cruelty [the prince] will be more compassionate than those who, out of excessive mercy, permit disorders to continue... for these harm the community at large."(Machiavelli 45)
Machiavelli emphasizes the difficulty of the decisions that need to be made by the prince, while still keeping the ultimate goal of peace and prosperity in sight. Later in the paragraph, Machiavelli uses vivd language to describe the faults of man and why a feared leader is necessary (46). This pathos would surely inspire an iron fist in any leader.
Machiavelli's "The Qualities of the Prince" takes a stringent position on the proper way to govern a nation. This view most likely would not be accepted with a more current audience in the United States, but with an audience in the early 1500s in Italy, the ideas would be accepted. A strong government that is extremely active in citizens lives is not needed now, but with the constantly changing powers of Italy, an iron fisted ruler would be welcomed.
Machiavelli, Niccolò. “The Qualities of the Prince.” A World of Ideas: Essential Readings for College Writers. 8th ed. Ed. Lee A. Jacobus. Boston: Bedford/St. Martin’s, 2010. 39-52. Print.
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