GMU Michael Sandel the Lost Art of Democratic Debate Tedtalk Reponse Discussion

NOTE: You must watch Michael Sandel’s TED Talk, “The Lost Art of Democratic Debate” (available below) before you can respond to this topic.

In this topic, you will see stakeholders in action and practice framing arguments by debating an issue that evolved a few years ago about disabled golfers. Sounds simple, right? Except that it wasn’t…

The issue was this: should the PGA allow a handicapped golfer to use a cart in a tournament? (In professional golf, all players walk the course rather than use a cart).

You are to debate the same issue and the result that was finally handed down by the Supreme Court by challenging the arguments and counterarguments made in this presentation.

PROMPT

Sandel, a philosophy professor at Harvard, uses Aristotle to “frame” his argument about justice. In your initial post, consider Aristotle’s theory of justice as described by Sandel. (Note that it has two parts).

Analyze what you think that claim means and explain whether your agree or disagree with it. Does it form a sound basis for arguing debates about justice and fairness? How does this approach compare to the way our text, Insider’s Guide, explains argument?

Next, given the details of the case as Sandel explains them, take a stand on whether you would have permitted Casey Martin to use a golf cart in a PGA tournament. Defend (argue for) your stance by imagining how you would have urged the Supreme Court to decide this case. The Supreme Court is the ultimate stakeholder here because it has decision-making authority over this lawsuit.

Consider the counterarguments and make concessions that acknowledge the merit of opposing points of view. Then counter with your argument.