The first article I read was The Spoils of Happiness written by editor David Sosa. The article references a "thought experiement" by philospher Robert Nozick. If it were possible to plug-in to a machine for the rest of your life that would make you believe you were truly happy; all the good feelings you get when you make a new friend, write a great novel, watch your kids play soccer for the first time, etc., but the whole time you were ignorant, floating in a tank of water. He posed the question: would you plug-in? Sosa explores the question and tries to find what happiness really is. I'd say that the disposition of Sosa's audience was neutral so he created a good balance. He showed a lot of persona (pathos). There was a strong emotional appeal especially since the topic revolved around happiness.
The second article I read, Disturbing the Peace: Smoke and Mirrors, is about the new smoke-free policy being implemented in 2011 here on campus. Jed Nussbaum gave a voice to all of those opposed of the new policy because no one has said anything. Once again a perfect example of balance between the three categories of appeals. He started out with his first assumptions then gave examples of how other people might feel about the subject. He suspended his judgement till the very end.
After the last article I couldnt help but read my third one, Disturbing the Peace: No, really, I get these headaches, another article written by Jed Nussbaum. Basically it is about the sudden illnesses surfacing everywhere that get people their medical marijuana card. I guess I was just lucky to happen apon three very good articles. Because yet again this one had a very good balance. The editor used a lot of logic and reason and made it very entertaining with his emotion. He also saved his personal point of view till the end.
great work, Anna, thanks!
ReplyDelete