POSITION PAPER: Nature something that is contradictory.
A belief in
“round squares” is a mistake of reasoning
A position paper is also called, a “point of
and contains a fallacy because, if my
view paper”. It explains your opinion on a
reasoning were good, I would not believe
specific issue or topic based on logical
something that is logically inconsistent with
support. In a position paper, you tend to
reality.
highlight your viewpoint and your reasons
(called arguments) for your stand on an Hasty Generalization - basically making a
issue. claim based on evidence that it just too
small.
You still have to discuss the opposing side of
the issue, but with the purpose of
downplaying it at the end to prove that your
arguments are stronger.
Writing a position paper entails outlining
arguments and proposing the course of
action; by doing so, you are already taking
part in a large debate.
Aside from this, you also have the power to
change the opinions and attitudes of others
when you write a position paper.
Slippery Slope - a course of action is
When do we write a position paper? rejected because, with little or no evidence,
A Position Paper is written after reading one insists that it will lead to a chain
about and discussing a particular issue. reaction resulting in an undesirable end or
Quite often, the readings cover more than ends. The slippery slope involves an
one issue, and as a writer you must choose a acceptance of a succession of events without
particular area of focus. The central goal of direct evidence that this course of events
writing a position paper is not only to state will happen.
and defend your position on the issue but
also to show how your stance relates to other
positions.
Things to consider when writing a
position paper: Fallacies
Fallacies are mistakes of reasoning, as
opposed to making mistakes that are of a
factual nature.
Circular Argument - an argument that
If I counted twenty people in the room when
assumes the very thing it is trying to prove is
there were in fact twenty-one, then I made a
true. Instead of offering evidence, it simply
factual mistake. On the other hand, if I
repeats the conclusion, rendering the
believe that there are round squares I believe
argument logically incoherent.
phrase expresses the logical fallacy of
assuming that one thing caused another
merely because the first thing preceded the
other.
Straw Man - A straw man fallacy occurs
when someone distorts or exaggerates
another person’s argument, and then attacks
the distorted version of the argument instead
of genuinely engaging.
Ad Populum – The truth of a claim is
established only on the basis of its
popularity and familiarity. This is the fallacy
committed by many commercials.
Either/Or - a type of informal fallacy or
persuasive technique in which an argument
is constructed so as to imply the necessity of
choosing one of only two alternatives.
Moral Equivalence - This fallacy compares
minor misdeeds with major atrocities,
suggesting that both are equally immoral
Post Hoc Ergo Propter Hoc (literally,
“after this, therefore because of this”) - The
Ad Hominem - A theory is discarded not
because of any evidence against it or lack of
evidence for it, but because of the person
who argues for it.
Position Paper – 2
Position papers are documents that present
Introduction to guidelines for writing a an organization's or an individual's stance or
position paper perspective on a particular issue. The kind of
- Have a definitive stand. position paper you write may vary
depending on the purpose and audience.
- Do a thorough research on the issue.
- Be prepared to defend your position Kinds of Position Papers:
and provide evidence for your
counterarguments. - Problem-Solution Position
Paper: This type of position
- Your conviction should be reflected
paper identifies a problem and
in your thesis statement.
presents a solution to it. It seeks
to convince the reader that the
proposed solution is the best
course of action to address the
identified problem.
- Advocacy Position Paper: This
type of position paper presents an
argument in support of a
particular issue, policy, or
proposal. It seeks to persuade the
reader to take a particular action
or adopt a particular perspective.
- Policy Position Paper: This type
of position paper outlines a
specific policy proposal and
presents an argument in support
of it. It may also address
potential objections to the
proposal and offer solutions to
address those objections.
- Personal Position Paper: This
type of position paper presents an
individual’s personal perspective
or opinion on a particular issue. It
may draw on personal
experiences or beliefs to support
the argument.