HUM 4001 Logic and Reasoning in Socio-Ethical Issues
Analogical Argument
1) Is the following argument good? Explain.
It is immoral to kill a human being, even if he is mentally retarded. However,
many animals, like cows and pigs, have similar intelligence, if not higher, as a
mentally retarded child. Hence, it is also immoral to kill these animals.
2) The following are two arguments, one supporting and the other opposing that we
have an obligation to take care of our parents when they are old. Evaluate each
argument.
The parent/child relation is like the relation between spouses. Both parties have
lived together and cared for the other for an extended period of time. Even if a
married couple has divorced, the wealthier spouse still has an obligation to
support the living of the other spouse. Thus, even if we do not love our parents,
we still have an obligation to support their living.
The parent/child relation is like the benefactor/receiver relation. Both a parent
and a benefactor give without presetting any conditions. If a receiver does not
reciprocate his benefactor, he is ungrateful but still permissible. Hence, it is
ungrateful but morally permissible for us to abandon our parents when they are
old.