I chose an article titled “Should Catholics oppose the death penalty?” by Noelle Hiester. Hiester received a BA from FUS in 1996 and an MBA in 1997. This article was published in The University Concourse, which is an independent journal of opinion published at Franciscan University, Ave Maria University, and other similar Catholic universities. These Catholic institutions share personal and historical ties as well as commitment to the renewal of Catholic education.
The article begins with Hiester’s own personal stance on the issue of the death penalty, and what specific events or experiences made her take this position. Hiester gives a detailed description as to why she first supported the states right to impose the death penalty. She then gives an example of a specific execution in recent years that caused her to re-evaluate her stance on the issue. Hiester provides quotes from the Catechism and from Pope John Paul II that support her belief that the death penalty should only have been imposed in very extreme circumstances. Due to improved conditions, it is very rare that the death penalty should ever have been used. Not only does Hiester provide quotes from reliable sources, but she also supports each aspect of them with her own opinions and knowledge about the topic. Hiester makes her arguments even stronger by providing statistics that support her stance. I believe this is a reliable source because it is supported by evidence that not only supports Hiester’s case, but also helps to unravel even more questions about the issue.
Toward the end of the article, Hiester returns to the specific execution case that she first addressed in the beginning of the article. She discusses how the death penalty should only be used in extreme circumstances and that otherwise it is offending the dignity of life. The argument is strong and includes many supportive details that make it appear to be very reliable. The specific example of the execution was also a strong example that made this source very convincing and dependable.
This is a very controversial issue, and it was cool that you found an article that had so much information with strong support. I was surprised to find support from the Pope that the death penalty should only be used in extreme circumstances. I would assume that the Catholic church would be completely against the death penalty.
ReplyDeleteI think I agree with Hiester about the Death Penalty. However to make your analysis stronger, you should provide more specific examples on how the author makes a good argument.
ReplyDeleteFrom what you said, I hear some good Ethos, Pathos and Logos in that article. Sounds convincing.
ReplyDeleteThis article seems to be very well informed and takes a stance on a very controversial issue. Where would we be if people did not take a certain stance on these type of issues?
ReplyDeleteIt is always good that authors back up their point of views with evidence for and against their arguments.
Well done, Elizabeth. You've managed to give an appropriately brief account of both the technique used by the writer and some of the points referenced, and you've added your own reaction as well. Good job.
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