Chapter 3: Ethics
ACTIVITY #3.1: INTRODUCTION TO ETHICS IN ARGUMENTATION. (Do prior to reading
chapter 3). To start the students thinking about what they consider ethical and unethical actions in
argumentation.
STEP 1: Discuss what the term “ethics” means.
Establish that ethics are decisions about what is right and wrong to do, and are different than
decisions about what is effective and ineffective.
STEP 3: Divide the class into groups of five students. Have each student share their standards with the others
STEP 4: Have a representative from each group write their list on the board.
STEP 5: When all the lists are up, discuss the standards.
ACTIVITY #3.2: ETHICS IN ARGUMENTATION. (To give students experience in applying ethical
standards to particular arguments. Also, to emphasize that few arguments are totally ethical or totally unethical.)
ACTIVITY #3.3: ETHICS IN ARGUMENTATION. (Do prior to reading chapter 3.) (To start
students thinking of the ethics of arguments in their everyday lives.)
STEP 1: Have students think of an example of an argument they made or engaged in. Give them some time,
ACTIVITY #3.4: ETHICS IN ARGUMENTATION. (To apply standards of ethics to examples of
argumentation students may encounter.)
STEP 1: Show a portion of a popular television show (or movie) that involves people arguing. (Many
situation comedies and courtroom dramas can be used.)