Question

Write a critical analysis by identifying and assessing the argument in the following passage.

We in the rich nations are like the occupants of a crowded lifeboat adrift in a sea full of drowning people. If we try to save the drowning by bringing them aboard, our boat will be overloaded and we shall all drown. Since it is better that some survive than none, we should leave the others to drown. In the world today ‘lifeboat ethics’ apply. The rich should leave the poor to starve, for otherwise the poor will drag the rich down with them.


Thank you for using the Jiskha Homework Help Forum. Wow! This is a powerful passage and the image it presents is horrific. Unfortunately there is truth in the statement that everyone can not be saved. Perhaps you are familiar with the statement "If you can not feed a man, at least teach him how to fish." Implying that the rich should do nothing will not even attempt to address the problem!

The argument used is metaphorical logic, likening the actual to an imagined situation. The situation is chosen to provide the emotional response desired.

The analogy you are using presents the situation as "either-or." It is suggesting that this is the situation, and there are no other alternatives. The following article might make you a little more cautious in accepting the validity of the presentation.

http://www.members.cox.net/dagershaw/lol/DecisionTrap.html

I hope this helps a little more. Thanks for asking.