Page 173 - Smart Thinking: Skills for Critical Understanding and Writing, 2nd Ed

160 ANSWERS, DISCUSSION, AND FURTHER ADVICE

element. It is saying 'definitely'. Alternatively, as I have done, it can be excluded as
simply indicating the kind of claim being made (definitional).
The subject is: 'this long-term result'
The predicate is: 'is dangerous' (Note the way this clearly links to the predicate
in the sub-conclusion, claim 2.)
Claim 6
'I believe should be excluded here (though it does not really matter if you included
it). If one is arguing, then it is taken that the claims on which you rely are those
one believes. However, had the claim been about another person's beliefs, the
correct answer would have included those words. The importance of claim 5, which
first raised 'danger' and then the way 'danger' is included in claim 2 starts to
become clear here.
The subject is: 'the government's role'
The predicate is: 'should be to work to avoid danger'
Claim 7
'/ believe can again be excluded here. If one is arguing, then it is taken for granted
that the claims on which you rely are those you believe. However, had the claim
been about another person's beliefs, the correct answer would have included those
words. The subject of this claim is more detailed, so as to remind readers of the very
first claim made.
The subject is: 'the government's current approach to the UN over human
rights'
The predicate is: 'is incorrect'
The first part of the argument (3+4+5 —> 2)
Claim 2 is presented 'because' ... and then some more claims. As a result, these
claims are functioning as the premises for 2. Claim 2, therefore, functions as a
conclusion to 3, 4, and 5 and then as a premise in the rest of the argument. Note
the use of a proposition here (claim 4). 'If x happens, then y happens; x is
happening; therefore y will happen'.
The second part of the argument (1+2+6 —> 7)
Generally governments should work to avoid danger, the arguer is saying. In
this specific case the government is not doing that. Therefore the government is
wrong in this specific case.

Chapter 4

Exercise 4.1

Here is one possible answer. I have marked the main elements of interconnection
with letters.

1 Australia should [a] continue to spend a proportion of its national budget on
foreign aid [b].
2 Australia is morally obligated [c] to provide foreign aid [b].
3 If a nation is morally obligated to act [c], then it should [a].