`Blood money' call as SCMP axes 35 staff Scarlett Chiang and Derek Yiu

Wednesday, December 30, 2009

The South China Morning Post yesterday axed 35 editorial and design department staff and closed its
Bangkok office.

The move came three days before staff, whose salaries were reduced by 5 to 12 percent in March, were to
have the cuts reinstated, prompting unionist legislator Lee Cheuk-yan to describe the payments as "blood
money." In an e-mail to staff, editor-in-chief Reginald Chua said the reporters and editors were made
redundant after a restructuring of the editorial team. "It is a difficult decision to have to make, but an
unfortunately necessary one," the e-mail said. SCMP management did not reply to a request from The
Standard for comment. A source in the newsroom said the office was "eerily quiet" as journalists were called
into a room to be told they were fired. At least four of those sacked came from the news, business and China
desks. All had more than seven years' experience.

Last December, SCMP laid off 30 editorial staff and in March this year it released 17 publishing and
administrative staff. Also in March, the group cut the salaries of those earning HK$20,000 or more monthly
by 5 to 12 percent. In October, it announced these cuts would be reinstated from January. Lee strongly
condemned the company, which he accused of sacking 35 in order to finance the salary increases of those at
a more senior level. "The seniors can get back their 12 percent because some cheaper staff have been axed,"
he said. "Those who get salary increases should consider this `blood money."' Journalists Association
chairwoman Mak Yin-ting said those sacked are senior journalists and she fears this will affect the news
quality. She also questioned the sackings during a media industry recovery.

The SCMP Group this year booked an interim loss of HK$14.9 million, compared with a profit of HK$124.5
million last year. Its interim revenue from advertising dropped 43 percent to HK$264.2 million. An analyst at
an Asian brokerage said the group turned in a lackluster performance. "First, the pickup in the print media is
not quick enough because advertising revenue thrives only after the economy fully recovers. The second
thing has to do with competition, because The Standard has become very competitive since going free," the
analyst said. At the end of June, the group had 885 employees compared with 943 at the end of last year.
According to the Hong Kong Audit Bureau of Circulation, the SCMP's circulation last year was 9 percent
down from 2001.

Games focus now on sport Editorial August 18,2008

The record-breaking performances of swimmer Michael Phelps and runner Usain Bolt could not have come
at a better time. Their stunning victories coupled with China's gold rush have, at the halfway point, turned
our Olympic Games focus where it should have been from day one: on sport. This is what the world's
foremost sporting festival is obviously about, yet it is protests, human rights, terrorism and air pollution that
have been grabbing headlines. Now that athletic heroism, the joy of winning and the heartbreak of losing are
at centre stage, we can finally get into the spirit of the Games.

That goodwill feeling was all but absent until Bolt's lightning sprint in the 100 metres final on Saturday. The
ease with which the Jamaican crossed the line and the celebration afterwards around the track at the National
Stadium jolted the senses. All the deviating talk about issues tied to the mainland leadership was instantly
forgotten. Phelps' winning of a record-setting eighth gold medal yesterday made sure that our attention was
truly where it should be. Couple his achievement with that of Bolt's and amplify that with China's
phenomenal rise up the international athletics tree, and the Beijing Olympics can at last be viewed in their
proper perspective.

This is not to belittle the issues that until the weekend remained high in global discussion about China's
hosting of the Games. The mainland's failure to live up to promises to markedly improve the rights of its
people is disappointing. Efforts to protect the environment must be long term, not just for a single event
when the world is watching. Media freedom is essential if China is to develop and thrive socially as well as
economically. But there is a time and place for these discussions - and the Olympic Games is neither.

There is no doubt that the party atmosphere that usually accompanies the Olympics has been dampened by
the security blanket in Beijing. Extremists have threatened to disrupt the event and their efforts have to be
thwarted. A balance has to be struck, though; the intrusive attention being paid to visitors has taken the fun
out of what should be an enjoyable occasion for all involved.

Whatever the criticism, there is no denying that the facilities, organisation and logistics are top class. Only
the best of the best is acceptable for the Olympics. With the addition of the leading athletes in the world at
their chosen disciplines, a veritable sporting feast is on offer. Little wonder, then, that records are tumbling.
In keeping with expectations, Hong Kong's hosting of the equestrian events has so far been outstanding. We
have the Hong Kong Jockey Club to thank for this. Spectators may not always have had a firm grasp of the
finer points of events such as dressage, but it is clear that a show of which we can be proud is under way.

Hong Kong has not fared well on the sports field, but the achievements of mainland athletes have more than
made up for our disappointment. All the sporting programmes that China has invested in are paying
dividends in medals. From traditional favourites badminton, table tennis, diving and gymnastics to new focus
sports such as rowing, the tally is mounting at an unexpected rate. The Olympics are about athletic ability
and endeavour. It is the world's biggest sporting stage. Athletes finely tune their bodies for the occasion to
take on the best in the world and perhaps lay claim to a medal, preferably gold, and maybe a record. They are
in Beijing not for politics or human rights or any of the other reasons that have drawn our focus from their
efforts.
This is a celebration of sport. The skills required by athletes to be of an international standard are to be
revered. We cannot appreciate their efforts or truly revel in the spirit of the Olympics, if our minds are
elsewhere. There is time for those other matters of concern about China's rise when the Games are finished.
Now, let's give the sportsmen and women our full attention.

Silencing calls for political reform South China Morning Post Cary Huang in Beijing 28 10 2010

Western- style democracy rejected

An editorial in the Communist Party mouthpiece People’s Daily rejects recent calls, including those by
Premier Wen Jiabao , for Western-style democracy on the mainland. It is the second editorial in a week on
the sensitive subject and analysts see it as an attempt to curb a growing debate on political reform. The
Communist Party mouthpiece People’s Daily published its second editorial in a week addressing the
sensitive topic of political reform yesterday, saying any change must be conducted gradually under a socialist
system and Communist leadership.

The front-page editorial is seen as rebutting growing calls for Westernstyle democracy from within and
outside the establishment, including those by Premier Wen Jiabao , according to analysts. It was also aimed
at tackling widespread criticism in the wake of a party plenum, which made only a passing reference to the
pressing issue. “It is obviously aimed at silencing such calls, as an editorial of the paper often reflects the
views of highest authorities and sets the tone and principles for main issues,” said Zhang Ming , a political
science professor at Renmin University.

The editorial rejected the recent calls for Western-style democracy, saying that political change “must not be
divorced from reality and try to leap over [historical] stages, much less be full of flash without substance and
empty slogans”.

Zhang said: “The statement is apparently targeting the liberal camp within the party and also highly likely
targeting Wen Jiabao himself.”

While yesterday’s editorial and the one published on October 20 reiterated hardline rhetoric on the issues,
yesterday’s one disputed the widely held notion that China’s political progress was lagging far behind its
phenomenal economic growth.

Such an idea “is contrary to objective law and does not conform to the objective facts”, it said, adding that
China “has accumulated a treasury of experience in the restructuring of its political system after over 30
years of reform experiments”.
The article was signed using a name, Zheng Qingyuan, which in Chinese sounds similar to the idiom zheng
ben qing yuan, which means to bring something back to the correct path. Professor Hu Xingdou , of Beijing
University of Technology, said the editorial was the top leadership’s response to the recent calls for Western-
style political reform. “It reflects either the Politburo as a whole or some very senior leaders’ views,” Hu
said, adding that Wen’s recent remarks were his own.

Wen described democracy, freedom and human rights as desirable and “irresistible”. He warned that delaying
political restructuring would be the biggest threat to longterm growth and stability. Zhang said the editorial
reflected the views of a majority in the top hierarchy and their desire to maintain stability, as many of them
are set to retire in two years. The 18th party congress in 2012 will feature a major reshuffle of the leadership.

The editorial also followed the awarding of the Nobel Peace Prize earlier this month to imprisoned Chinese
dissident writer Liu Xiaobo , who urged reforms to the country’s single-party system. Wen’s remarks inspired
liberals both within and outside the party, with one elite group of retired party elders issuing an open letter to
the national legislature this month calling for freedom of publication and an end to blanket censorship. A
group of liberal intellectuals has made similar calls. Hopes were running high that the party might finally
edge forward on political reform. However, the annual party plenum ended last week with only a one-
sentence statement on the topic.

The editorial invoked Deng Xiaoping, the late paramount leader, who ushered in economic reforms but
rejected any political restructuring after the 1989 crackdown on pro-democracy protests at Tiananmen.
“Comrade Deng Xiaoping clearly pointed out that in judging whether a country’s political system and
structure are correct there are three key indicators: whether its political situation is stable; whether the system
can enhance unity among its citizens and improve their lives; and whether the country’s productivity can be
sustainably developed,” it said.

The editorial rejected Westernstyle democracy by emphasising that political changes should be conducted in
a “correct political direction” and in accordance with China’s historical conditions and cultural background.
“We will never copy the models in the Western political system, such as the multiple-party system and the
three divisions of power,” it said, insisting China would travel its own path in that regard.

Argumentative Strategy:
Concession and Rebuttal
Introduction

In argumentation, concession and rebuttal refers to the strategy of acknowledging a point made by
the opposition before proving it wrong. Concession and rebuttal can be a powerful strategy in
argumentation. By acknowledging opposing arguments, concession indicates an understanding of
exactly what causes the controversy. It also demonstrates maturity in thinking by considering the
issue from other angles. When used alone, concession can help establish a credible stance and a
mature personality for the author. When followed by a rebuttal, concession works to discredit the
opposing position by attacking the very point which the author concedes to the opposition.
Concession and rebuttal can also serve as a defence against opposing arguments.

Look at the following example:

Controversy: Whether or not to ban smoking in public places

Writer’s Position: Smoking should be banned in public places.
Opposing Argument: An individual’s right to freedom of action should not be curtailed
Concession: An individual may have the right to action which does not interfere with
the rights of other individuals.
Rebuttal: But nobody has the right to damage the health of other people and
smoking in public does just that.
Proof: Medical evidence of the harm done by secondhand smoking.

Concession and Rebuttal

To use the concession and rebuttal strategy in argument, we have to pay attention to the following
three elements:

- Structure of Concession-and-Rebuttal Arguments

- Discourse Markers
- Negation

Structure of Concession-and-Rebuttal Arguments

Basically, concession-and-rebuttal consists of three main parts:

- Concession
- Rebuttal
- Support /Elaboration of claim in the rebuttal

Concessions may have the following functions:

- to acknowledge the premise or evidence of opposing view points before refuting it
- to show empathy for a hostile and resistant audience before putting forward one’s conflicting
argument
- to allow for differences or ambiguity of opinion and/or approach to an issue

Rebuttal may have the following purposes:

- to put forward one’s opinion, evaluation or suggestion.

- to point out weaknesses in the conceded premise, evidence, or point of view
- to deny false implications or assumptions

Let’s take a look at the following examples:

Example 1:
Concession – Acknowledgement of common ground
Rebuttal – Drawback of common practice and indirect suggestion
Purpose—To remove misunderstanding

“A second take on copyright protection” - SCMP Editorial 2005-11-12

Humankind has surely benefited greatly from much speedier Concession

transmission of knowledge in a digitised world. But let us
not forget that the creation of knowledge as a commercial & Rebuttal
activity will suffer if intellectual labour is not properly
rewarded. // Piracy and cost-free use of copyright materials Concession &
deliver short-term gains to users. But if we fail to safeguard Rebuttal as
the rightful interests of authors, singers and film-makers, all support for
will suffer as they become less resourceful in exploiting their C & R above
creativity.

There are two concession-and-rebuttals in the above example. The first sentence in the first pair of
concession-and-rebuttals is a concessionary statement. It acknowledges something that is
commonly agreed. The contrastive marker “But” signals the beginning of a rebuttal. In the
rebuttal, the claim (‘the creation of knowledge will suffer’) is supported by the second
concession and rebuttal which spells out in detail the reasons for believing in the claim.

Concession and rebuttal is an effective strategy to use in argumentation because by attacking the
concession, it addresses the likely objection and removes the doubt that resides in the mind of the
skeptical.

Example 2:

Concession – Acknowledging the value of what is being evaluated

Rebuttal – Pointing out the problem with the object of evaluation
Purpose—To give a balanced viewpoint to justify suggestion

“Cooling-off period would foil TV cheats” - SCMP Editorial 2007-07-05

Complaints of pressure-selling and misleading tactics have Concession

resulted in calls for the government to intervene to protect
the consumer. It has promised to consider tighter & Rebuttal
regulation. That is good but it lacks a sense of urgency. in the same
There is a simple measure that would protect the consumer, sentence
which should be easy to put in place.

The above example begins with supplying background information for an evaluation of the
Government’s policy. It then goes on to point out there is something positive about the
Government policy before criticizing it. The strategy here is to give the impression of a balanced
viewpoint before launching an attack. The concessionary statement makes the critique appear more
objective, thus lending more support for the upcoming recommendation.

Example 3:

Concession – Allowing for a possible outcome

Rebuttal – Negative evaluation, followed by suggestion
Purpose—To hedge criticism
“HK must not fail in English proficiency” - SCMP Editorial 2007-06-29

It is too early to say whether these reforms will prove

successful. But the fruits of the policies can perhaps be seen
in the fact that the fall in this year's exam pass rate is
negligible compared with last year. There is clearly a need to
be vigilant and to ensure that the figures soon begin to rise.

The above example begins with a concessionary statement about the potential success of the
education reforms. The ensuing rebuttal consists of a mild criticism of the reforms (‘the fall in this
year’s exam pass rate is negligible’) put in a hedged manner (‘the fruit of the policies can
perhaps be seen’). The concession and rebuttal sequence thus renders the criticism restrained
and reasonable, making it possible to deliver a recommendation in an emphatic and certain tone
(‘there is clearly a need’).

For further information about the use of hedging and emphatic statements in arguments, please go
to the Section on the Use of Tone: What to Watch Out for in Using Emphatic/Hedging Language

Example 4:

Concession – Acknowledging common ground

Rebuttal – Correcting false implications of common beliefs
Purpose—To remove possible misunderstanding

“Shooting the messenger is politically unhealthy” - SCMP Editorial 2007-06-27

It is true that issues may sometimes become polarised and

debated heatedly. Certainly, there is a need for matters of
public concern to be discussed rationally. But that does not
mean that such concerns should not be expressed and
investigated. After all, improper interference with academic
freedom was found to have taken place. And the allegations
raised by doctors are ones which deserve further inquiry.

The first concessionary marker ‘It is true that’ signals an emphatic acknowledgement of a
possible situation. The writer concedes further in the second sentence marked by another emphatic
concessionary marker “Certainly” By conceding emphatically, the writer seeks common ground
with the intended audience about their beliefs before pointing out how such views can be
misleading. Signaled by the contrastive marker ‘But’, the rebuttal negates the false implications of
the previously mentioned common beliefs. The rebuttal is then supported with recent events as
evidence.

Negation in Concession and Rebuttal

Very often rebuttal of a point previously conceded involves the use of negation.
In the following examples, the rebuttal is executed by negating the premises, evidence, or
implications in the previously conceded argument.

Look at the following examples where the negation is highlighted for your attention:

Examples:

“Institute of Education deserves status boost” - SCMP Editorial 2005-11-19

 Although teacher education is also offered by some of the Concession
universities, education is not their major focus. // Hong
Kong needs a university solely devoted to the cause of & Rebuttal
teacher training above all else, focusing on the practical in same
needs of schools and the education system in general. sentence
Putting forward
main argument

“Reducing the wealth gap will help HK thrive” – SCMP Editorial 2007-06-19

It is true that issues may sometimes become polarised and

debated heatedly. Certainly, there is a need for matters of
public concern to be discussed rationally. But that does not
mean that such concerns should not be expressed and
investigated. After all, improper interference with academic Putting forward
freedom was found to have taken place. And the allegations main argument
raised by doctors are ones which deserve further inquiry.

“Reducing the wealth gap will help HK thrive” – SCMP Editorial 2007-06-19

Inequality of wealth is not a new concept. The gap between

the super-rich tycoons of today and the poorest employee is
not as great as a century ago, given the benefits the
government provides. But that does not make it acceptable.
More must be done to close the gap. It is important that Putting forward
concerted efforts are made to create a more level playing main argument
field. Only through equality of opportunity can Hong Kong
prosper and thrive in an increasingly competitive regional
economic environment.

For more information about the use of negation, please go to the Section on Argumentative
Strategy: Negation

Further Support for a Rebuttal

In a concession-and-rebuttal sequence, the first sentence of the rebuttal usually consists of a claim
which has to be supported. Concrete evidence and justifications have to be provided in order for
the rebuttal to be really effective.

For supporting various ways of supporting a claim effectively, see Argumentative Strategies

Sometimes, a concession-and-rebuttal is part of an inductive development where the conclusion

comes at the end of the chain of argument. If this is the case, the concession- and- rebuttal does
not come to an end but acts as a bridge to the rest of the argument which has to be further
elaborated before coming to a final conclusion.

For more information on inductive development, please go to the Section on Paragraph

Development.

Example of Elaboration & Support after a Concession and Rebuttal:

SCMP Editorial 2007-07-07

“Rationing fashion was bound to stir passions”

Boundless shopping, and enthusiasm for it, are part of the Concession
fabric of Hong Kong life. Nonetheless, life is meant to go on
without being obstructed by it. That was not the case Rebuttal
yesterday for nearby shops and their customers, not to
mention the thousands of passers-by who were also
inconvenienced. It did not help that the distributor refused
to disclose the number of bags for sale on the first day, and
that shoppers who registered with one of the two outlets to
buy the bags found they still had to queue. // What was
wrong with assuring them of supply provided they returned
by an agreed time? That would have shortened the queue; if
supplies ran out, people could have been advised. Out of Evaluation
respect for both customers and the general public, the event +Suggestion
could have been organised with more forethought and
consideration. // After all, even if any publicity is good
publicity, the bag does not need it.

iConclusion

The rebuttal, marked by ‘That was not the case’, is an implied negative evaluation of the issue
being discussed. It is followed by supporting evidence showing the problems of the situation, and
then suggestions of what could have been done to solve them. The reasoning chain thus follows a
problem-solution pattern. The final conclusion is an evaluation of the entire event.

Discourse Markers for Concession-and-Rebuttals

Discourse markers act as signposts in an essay to signal different rhetorical relations. They help
advance the development of ideas. In a concession-and-rebuttal sequence, we can usually find a
concessional or contrastive marker, or both.

List of Concessional and Contrastive Markers ---

Concessional markers

although / in spite of / despite / even though / even if

regardless of / albeit
no matter / however (+adj.)
undoubtedly / no doubt / admittedly
indeed

it is true that…
it is understandable that

Contrastive markers

but / yet / still

however
nevertheless / nonetheless
unfortunately
even so
instead
rather
whereas
on the contrary (for further information on the use of on the contrary, please go to the Section of
the Use of Connectives)

Examples of Use:

Look at the example we have seen earlier:

“Shooting the messenger is politically unhealthy” - SCMP Editorial 2007-06-27

It is true that issues may sometimes become polarised and

debated heatedly. Certainly, there is a need for matters of
public concern to be discussed rationally. But that does not
mean that such concerns should not be expressed and
investigated. After all, improper interference with academic
freedom was found to have taken place. And the allegations
raised by doctors are ones which deserve further inquiry.

The first concessional marker “It is true that” signals an emphatic acknowledgement of the
possibility of a situation. Then the writer concedes further in the second sentence which is marked
by another concessional marker “Certainly”. By showing concession twice, the writer seeks a
common ground with the intended audience, i.e. those who hold the conceded argument to be
true. Next is the rebuttal marked by “But”. This is achieved through the negation of a false
implication, at the same time, an idea that the readers may otherwise be unaware of.

Look at another example:

Mingpao Editorial (Translated by Mingpao staff) 2005-11-05

“Review of RTHK should be focused”

It is understandable that RTHK is worried about political Concession

interference. Few Hong Kong people want RTHK to become a
government mouthpiece. Few want it deprived of the
freedom to supervise and criticise the government. We have
repeatedly stressed in our editorials that modern public
broadcasters are obligated to serve the people conscionably
and rationally and they should not blindly speak up for those
in power.

We, however, feel compelled to point out that citizens Rebuttal

expect RTHK not only to continue to supervise and criticise
the government but also to quit the bad habit of
squandering public money, operate more efficiently, improve
its programmes, promote the arts and contribute to a
knowledge-based society. All such issues are urgent as well
as important.
 Neither the government's review nor RTHK's consultations Putting forward
should be used to promote departmental or political main argument
interests. Such exercises must not be biased bureaucratic
processes designed to lead to pre-planned conclusions.
There should be rational, open debates in which the general
public can participate. Only then can we leave political
controversies behind and offer practical guidance on RTHK's
future development.

Exercises:

Question 1:
Read the following extract and identify the markers for concessions and rebuttals in the text:

Genetic Self-Understanding

The first reason for engaging in modern genetics is simply man's desire to know himself,
a desire that nearly all of us share, if not in equal degrees. Alone among the animals,
human beings possess the capacity and the drive to look upon ourselves as objects of
inquiry. We study ourselves because we are not content simply being ourselves. We are
not satisfied living immediately in nature like the other animals do. Food and sex alone
do not satiate us. We do not accept the given world as it is; we also seek to uncover its
meaning and structure. Modern biology, of course, is only one avenue of self-
understanding, one way of asking questions. But it is an especially powerful and
prominent way of seeking self-knowledge in the modern age. Instead of asking who we
are by exploring how humans live, the biologist asks who we are by examining the
mechanics of human life. Genetics fits perfectly within this vision: it seems to offer us a
code for life; it promises to shed empirical light on our place in nature; it claims to tell us
something reliable about our human design, our pre-human origins, and our post-human
fate.

But it is also true that the more we learn about genetics, the more we seem to confront
the limits as well as the significance of genetic explanation.

But in fact, the triumph of modern genetics has also meant the humbling of modern
genetics. Big hypotheses now seem to require revision and greater measure. And in
many ways, we are probably relieved that genetics does not tell us everything we need
to know about ourselves. For human beings, this means that we are still more free than
any genetic account of being human would leave us. And for young scientists, this means
that life's mystery is still as great as ever; today's earnest graduate student can surpass
even Watson and Crick in making the crucial breakthrough that might reveal our
humanity once and for all -- that might give us "the secret of life," as Crick declared
when he burst into the British pub in 1953.

But in fact, the triumph of modern genetics has also meant the humbling of modern
genetics. Big hypotheses now seem to require revision and greater measure. And in
many ways, we are probably relieved that genetics does not tell us everything we need
to know about ourselves. For human beings, this means that we are still more free than
any genetic account of being human would leave us. And for young scientists, this means
that life's mystery is still as great as ever; today's earnest graduate student can surpass
even Watson and Crick in making the crucial breakthrough that might reveal our
humanity once and for all -- that might give us "the secret of life," as Crick declared
when he burst into the British pub in 1953.

(Adapted from “The Real Meaning of Genetics” by Eric Cohen, 2005, The New Atlantis, No. 9Pg. 29-41, Ethics & Public
Policy Cenre)
See highlighted markers in the text below:
Genetic Self-Understanding

The first reason for engaging in modern genetics is simply man's desire to know himself, a desire
that nearly all of us share, if not in equal degrees. Alone among the animals, human beings
possess the capacity and the drive to look upon ourselves as objects of inquiry. We study ourselves
because we are not content simply being ourselves. We are not satisfied living immediately in
nature like the other animals do. Food and sex alone do not satiate us. We do not accept the given
world as it is; we also seek to uncover its meaning and structure. Modern biology, of course, is
only one avenue of self-understanding, one way of asking questions. But it is an especially
powerful and prominent way of seeking self-knowledge in the modern age. Instead of asking who
we are by exploring how humans live, the biologist asks who we are by examining the mechanics of
human life. Genetics fits perfectly within this vision: it seems to offer us a code for life; it promises
to shed empirical light on our place in nature; it claims to tell us something reliable about our
human design, our pre-human origins, and our post-human fate.

But it is also true that the more we learn about genetics, the more we seem to confront the
limits as well as the significance of genetic explanation.

But in fact, the triumph of modern genetics has also meant the humbling of modern genetics. Big
hypotheses now seem to require revision and greater measure. And in many ways, we are probably
relieved that genetics does not tell us everything we need to know about ourselves. For human
beings, this means that we are still more free than any genetic account of being human would
leave us. And for young scientists, this means that life's mystery is still as great as ever; today's
earnest graduate student can surpass even Watson and Crick in making the crucial breakthrough
that might reveal our humanity once and for all -- that might give us "the secret of life," as Crick
declared when he burst into the British pub in 1953.

Even as we are relieved at discovering the limits of genetic determinism, however, our hunger for
genetic explanation remains strong. Disease is also a threat to our freedom, after all, and we still
hope that genetics might help us conquer that mortal threat. We still hope that genetics is the
secret of disease, if not the secret of life.

(Adapted from “The Real Meaning of Genetics” by Eric Cohen, 2005, The New Atlantis, No. 9Pg. 29-41, Ethics & Public Policy
Cenre)

Concession Markers:
Of course, But it is also true that, But in fact, Even as, if not the secret of life.

Rebuttal Markers
But, however

Pairing of Concession & Rebuttal Markers

Of course…But (Paragraph 1)
Even as…however (Paragraph 4)
Question 2

Based on the information provided below, write a concession and rebuttal sequence, making use of
markers for concession and rebuttals as is appropriate:

(a)
Position: Grades are not the most important thing in one’s academic career. Concession:
Without good grades, one cannot graduate or find a good job. Rebuttal:
Grades are not the most important goal in one’s academic career. It may be true that without
reasonable grades, one cannot graduate and find a job, but those are only minimum
requirements that almost every student can satisfy. An over-concern for grades would defeat the
true purpose of a university education, which is to prepare one for lifelong learning, which is not
measurable by grades.

Check for: Marker of Concession -->Concession-->Marker for Rebuttal-->Rebutta

l -->Reason(s) for Rebuttal.
(b)
Position: Society has to adapt to and deal with new situations brought about by
new technology
Concession: Human cloning upsets the existing social system
It has often been suggested that cloned human beings are neither the offspring or the sibling
of the parent and that this would create chaos in human society comparable to the invention of the
Atomic Bomb. But clearly the analogy is a false one as it is difficult to imagine how cloning would
lead to massive destructions of human lives. Such fears are unfounded as civilizations have always
proved capable of adapting to new technologies and made the best use of them.

Check for: Marker of Concession-->Concession-->Marker for Rebuttal-->Rebuttal

-->Reason(s) for Rebuttal.
(c)
Position: We should not release prison inmates before they serve their full
sentences
Concession: Prisons are overcrowded and they use up too much resources
It is true that prisons are getting extremely overcrowded and they are a major source of public
expenditure. But to even suggest that prison terms should be cut short is to risk public safety,
particularly because of the message sent out to the public.

Check for: Marker of Concession-->Concession-->Marker for Rebuttal-->Rebuttal

-->Reason(s) for Rebuttal.
(d)
Position: Strikes should be encouraged among workers demanding their rights.
Concession: Strikes disrupt social harmony and lead to economic loss.
Strikes may disrupt social harmony and may even lead to economic losses for all concerned, but
they are a legitimate way for workers to gain hearings from the management as well as the public.
Left on their own, owners of businesses would not attend to the workers’ needs as if these needs
were their own.

Check for: Marker of Concession-->Concession-->Marker for Rebuttal-->Rebuttal

-->Reason(s) for Rebuttal.