0.3 Writing module two: problem statements, introductions, and  (Page 2/5)

In order to acknowledge a problem, we need understand it to have costs and benefits that affect us. As readers and interlocutors, we must be motivated and influenced by those costs-we must accept the problem as something relevant to our lives and concerns. A powerful problem statement will be one for which we want, need, and are able to imagine a solution.

Recognizing costs

Costs are negative effects that impact or influence your intended audience. Costs can be monetary, but they can also be abstract, emotional, social or logistical. We call it a cost when bad things happen as a result of a certain course of action. Arguments should also consider as potential costs those missed opportunities that can result when decision makers fail to pursue new options and ideas.

Two types of problems- pragmatic and conceptual

The problems addressed by argument can be divided into two categories: Pragmatic Problems and Conceptual Problems. Pragmatic problems outline and encourage action. They seek to effect changes in things we do, see, or touch. Pragmatic problems are often the topics of professional proposals, business dealings, or engineering and design solutions. Conceptual Problems introduce, interpret, or investigate an issue or idea. They seek to change the way we think or how we understand the world around us. Conceptual problems are often the topics of academic research, theoretical discussion, and philosophical analysis.

A pragmatic argument:

• Recommends a course of action or change in behavior
• Gives evidence to support a certain view of the problem
• Defines shared priorities and common ground between writer and audience
• Provides calculations, and examples
• Asks: What should we do?
• Defines a problem
• Shows what the problem is, does, or means
• Emphasizes the costs or benefits of action
• Proposes a solution

A conceptual argument:

Shows the costs or benefits of changing our point of view. The evidence in a conceptual argument often demonstrates how a given approach to the issue can change our perception of the problem. For example:

We usually think of climate change as a bad thing, but global warming could substantially lower heating costs.

Such a framing of the problem of global warming asks not “what should we do?” but rather “What should we think?” To be successful, a conceptual argument needs to demonstrate that something is missing from our understanding. Conceptual argument also has to show that there are costs if we fail to change – or benefits if we succeed in changing— our ideas.

Revealing costs and benefits

Problem Statements should always give readers a clear answer to the question “So what?” Without an explicit statement of why we should care, we cannot get down to the issue of what we should do.

Pragmatic costs

Pragmatic costs answer the question “So What?” The answer always points to some form of negative effect or undesirable outcome. Readers are motivated by costs when the benefits of action or change outweigh the problems or difficulties of the status quo.

Examples: Pragmatic Costs