1. © Mark Batik Jesuit College Preparatory School of Dallas
Stock Issues
© Mark Batik
Jesuit College Preparatory
School of Dallas

2. Inherency Reason why the harms are not being solved in the status quo
In other words, the problem is inherent to the status quo
Absent the plan, the problem will continue.

3. 2 types of Inherency Attitudinal—attitudes prevent change
Structural—law, policies, rules prevent change

4. Harms Reasons why there is a need in the status quo
These can be bad things that are happening in the SQ
They can be good things that are prevented in the SQ

5. 2 types of Harms Quantitative—harms you can count
Qualitative—losing something of value
Many harms are both. For example, 100 people die.
Death is qualitative
100 people is quantitative

6. Plan Proposal to solve the problem Includes: Who—the agent
What—the action

7. Solvency Explanation how the plan resolves the harms
The plan should solve the harms presented in the most specific way possible

8. Sample
Contention One: Inherency—It is unlikely that the dress code will be changed
Rules of the school,
Parental attitudes prevent it

9. Sample #2 Contention Two—Harms A. Dress Code is uncomfortable
1. Ties and dress shoes are uncomfortable
2. Discomfort decreases education
B. Dress Code decreases freedom
1. Freedom is essential
2. Teaches good social skills

10. Sample #3
Plan: Jesuit should modify the dress code to remove ties and dress shoes as requirements.
Contention Three: The Plan Solves
A. Removing the tie requirement removes discomfort
B. Removing the shoes requirement increases comfort
C. Keeping the rest of the dress code insures all of the reasons the dress code is desirable.