1.3.3 Sample arguments, evidence, and examples


Positions on the Ideological Perspective


Nature of Man: People are somewhat good, but not equally able and are, therefore, willing to take or follow action to benefit the masses

Beliefs and Values: Belief in equality

Role of Government: Significant

Ideological Perspective: Collectivism and/or Modern Liberalism (Democratic Socialism)


Possible Positions and Supporting Argumentsand Examples

THESIS: We are all members of society and, therefore, must make decisions to benefit everyone. (This indicates a personal belief in collectivism and willingness to make sacrifices for the common good.)

Evidence and Examples: (theoretical, historical, contemporary, and/or current-events)

  • Aboriginal societies and collectivism (Haudenosaunee)
  • Democratic nations around the world have social programs to benefit their societies. (Sweden, Canada: mixed economies, universal health care, public education)
  • Communist nations can improve quality of life by strong central governments. (Cuba: high life expectancy, strong educational programming)
THESIS: We are all members of society and contribute to the common good, but we should have the individual freedom to choose how to do so. (This indicates a personal belief in a mix of individualism and collectivism including a belief in freedom and a certain degree of willingness to contribute to the common good.)

Evidence and Examples: (theoretical, historical, contemporary, and/or current-events)

  • Societies traditionally choose programs and polices to benefit society.
  • Democratic nations use mixed economies and develop limited social programs to benefit their societies. (United States: New Deal; Canada: mixed economy, social programs to benefit the disadvantaged, choices in education for those who can afford it, problems with the delivery of universal health care)
  • Communist and socialist countries fail in some key areas because people are not willing to work exclusively for the common good. (failure of Soviet Union; lack of freedoms in Cuba, Venezuela, China)
THESIS: We are all individuals and the decision to contribute to the common good should be left to the individual. (This indicates a personal belief in individualism including a belief in freedom and little interest in government intervention for the common good.)

Evidence and Examples: (theoretical, historical, contemporary, and/or current-events)

  • Modern society has evolved based on the principles of liberalism including the fundamental freedom to make decisions
  • Democratic nations and the people who live in them succeed based on personal initiative. (United States: capitalism and high per capita income)
  • Communist nations fail because their citizens are denied fundamental freedom of choice. (failure of communism in former Soviet Union; oppression in Myanmar and North Korea)