Arguments on the Issues of Famine and Poverty

For the weekly journal assignment, write 200-400 words (about one double-spaced page) on one of the following prompts. The journal assignments are meant to guide your reading comprehension, inspire reflection, create a personal connection, and encourage you to have new philosophical experiences. The journals might even be - yes it’s possible - fun to write.
There are 13 journal assignments during the quarter, due at midnight on Mondays (except the two weeks when papers are due and on holidays). You must submit your journal through iLearn each week. I will not accept them through email without a conversation. Each one is worth three points, and together they make up 40% of your grade. Your lowest 2 scores will be dropped, so you can skip two journals with no negative effect.
There are four prompts to choose from. Throughout the semester, you must write on each prompt at least twice, although you can decide which prompt to use for each particular week.
Prompt 1: Evaluate the Argument
From the main reading, select an argument that you found provocative or insightful. Reconstruct the argument as clearly as you can in your own words. You may use numbered premises, or you can simply summarize the premises and conclusion in a short paragraph. In one or two sentences, state what you think is interesting about this argument. Then, give an objection to the argument. Finally, assess this objection. Can it be overcome or does it reveal a serious problem with the argument?