Natural vs Artificial
TASK
What is artificial and what is natural? According, to the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) the “Spirit of Sport” involves the ethical pursuit of human excellence through the dedicated perfection of natural talent. Of course, WADA uses this statement as an argument to ban doping as an “artificial enhancer”. However, sport often involves non-natural, or artificial, means of performance enhancement, especially at the elite level. Elite athletes, and professional teams apply the latest insights from science (Kinesiology, for instance), special diets and body preparation (including vision corrective surgeries) ahead of each competitive season and event. However, it seems absurd to ban these kinds of “artificial” enhancements.
Getting the facts straight is of primary importance for ethics. Before deciding whether it is right or wrong to ban “artificial” enhancements, we must first define the difference between artificial and natural (this is metaphysics). Using arguments derived from course readings, as well as outside empirical research, present a three-paragraph analysis (#1 Introduction/thesis, #2 argument/evidence, and #3 counterargument/response) that provides a distinction between natural and artificial, providing an answer to the question: What is artificial and what is natural?
Part 1: Introduction/Thesis: Take this first part of the paper to introduce information that sets up the reader for your thesis statement. That is, take the introduction to lay out any context, details, or background that you find necessary for the position you take. Your thesis statement should be a concise and clear statement about where you fall with regard to the question.
Part 2: Argument/Evidence: In this second part of the paper, bring in evidence to support your claim. This is where you solidify and strengthen your argument.
Part 3: Pay special attention to this section as it should take the bulk of your work: Critically evaluate your argument. In other words, provide a counter argument to your argument (i.e. what another author, or someone who disagrees with you, might say in response to your argument), Then, provide your rejoinder or response (i.e. what do you say back, to defend your original argument?)
