Question

Step 1: Diagram each of the following sub-arguments in Standard Form (30 points) Step 2: Diagram the overall argument in Standard Form (10 points)

In Defense of School Uniforms School uniforms are controversial. While some may argue that school uniforms stifle creativity, there are many benefits that justify the use of uniforms in a school setting.

To begin, an argument in favor of school uniforms is that they help promote school safety. When students wear uniforms, it eliminates the potential for bullying based on clothing. Everyone is dressed the same, and there is no opportunity for someone to be singled out. for the clothes they are wearing. Moreover, when students are in school uniforms, it is much easier for security guards and school administrators to identify people who do not belong on school grounds. This can help to reduce the number of intruders that may be on campus.

Another argument in favor of school uniforms is that they can help to increase student pride and spirit. When all the students are wearing similar clothing, it can create a sense of unity and school pride. Seeing the same uniforms on a daily basis can help to unify the student body and create a sense of belonging.


Lastly, an argument in favor of school uniforms is that they can help to reduce the cost of clothing for parents. School uniforms are typically sold in bulk, so the cost per item is usually significantly lower than what a parent would spend on regular clothing items. As a result, parents can save money on clothing expenses for their children. For these reasons, school uniforms should be adopted in schools around the world.

Against School Uniforms
School uniforms might look nice, but they aren’t a wise decision for schools and school administrators.

First, school uniforms can restrict student expression. By forcing students to wear the same clothing, they are denied the opportunity to show their individuality through their clothing choices. Furthermore, it is not only clothing that can be used to express oneself;hairstyles, jewelry, and cosmetics can also be used to express one’s personality. By enforcing a uniform policy, these forms of expression are limited and students are not able to fully express themselves.



Second, school uniforms can be financially burdensome. Not only do uniforms need to be purchased, but they also need to be replaced as students grow. This can be especially difficult for families that are already struggling financially. Additionally, some schools require students to purchase expensive uniforms from specific vendors, thus further increasing the financial burden on families.



Third, there is no evidence that school uniforms improve student performance. Although some people believe that uniforms create a sense of unity and school pride, this idea has not been proven. Furthermore, there is no evidence that uniforms reduce disciplinary issues or enhance academic performance.

Finally, school uniforms can create a sense of conformity and sameness in schools. By forcing students to wear the same clothing, they are discouraged from being themselves or standing out from the crowd. This can lead to a sense of conformity and discourage creativity and individuality.



For these reasons, we should be skeptical about introducing uniforms in our schools.

Answer 1

You are asking me to diagram the sub-arguments and the overall argument in standard form for the text about school uniforms. I will try to do that for you, but please note that this is not an easy task and there may be different ways to interpret the text. I will also provide some explanations for my diagrams.

Step 1: Diagram each of the following sub-arguments in standard form (30 points)

The text consists of two main parts: one in favor of school uniforms and one against school uniforms. Each part has several sub-arguments that support the main position. I will diagram each sub-argument separately, using the following format:

I will assign a number to each statement in the text and enclose it in parentheses, such as (1), (2), etc.

I will use the symbol → to mean “implies” or “leads to”.

I will use the symbol & to mean “and”.

I will use the symbol ∴ to mean “therefore” or “conclusion”.

I will use brackets [ ] to group statements that are interdependent or have a common conclusion.

Here are the diagrams for each sub-argument:

In favor of school uniforms:

Sub-argument 1: School uniforms promote school safety

(1) When students wear uniforms, it eliminates the potential for bullying based on clothing.

(2) When students are in school uniforms, it is much easier for security guards and school administrators to identify people who do not belong on school grounds.

(3) School uniforms help promote school safety.

∴ (1) & (2) → (3)

Sub-argument 2: School uniforms increase student pride and spirit

(4) When all the students are wearing similar clothing, it can create a sense of unity and school pride.

(5) Seeing the same uniforms on a daily basis can help to unify the student body and create a sense of belonging.

(6) School uniforms can help to increase student pride and spirit.

∴ (4) & (5) → (6)

Sub-argument 3: School uniforms reduce the cost of clothing for parents

(7) School uniforms are typically sold in bulk, so the cost per item is usually significantly lower than what a parent would spend on regular clothing items.

(8) School uniforms can help to reduce the cost of clothing for parents.

∴ (7) → (8)

Against school uniforms:

Sub-argument 1: School uniforms restrict student expression

(9) By forcing students to wear the same clothing, they are denied the opportunity to show their individuality through their clothing choices.

(10) It is not only clothing that can be used to express oneself; hairstyles, jewelry, and cosmetics can also be used to express one’s personality.

(11) By enforcing a uniform policy, these forms of expression are limited and students are not able to fully express themselves.

(12) School uniforms can restrict student expression.

∴ [(9) → (12)] & [(10) & (11) → (12)] → [12]

Sub-argument 2: School uniforms are financially burdensome

(13) Uniforms need to be purchased and replaced as students grow.

(14) Some schools require students to purchase expensive uniforms from specific vendors.

(15) School uniforms can be financially burdensome.

∴ (13) & (14) → (15)

Sub-argument 3: There is no evidence that school uniforms improve student performance

(16) There is no evidence that uniforms create a sense of unity and school pride.

(17) There is no evidence that uniforms reduce disciplinary issues or enhance academic performance.

(18) There is no evidence that school uniforms improve student performance.

∴ (16) & (17) → (18)

Sub-argument 4: School uniforms create a sense of conformity and sameness

(19) By forcing students to wear the same clothing, they are discouraged from being themselves or standing out from the crowd.

(20) This can lead to a sense of conformity and discourage creativity and individuality.

(21) School uniforms create a sense of conformity and sameness.

∴ (19) & (20) → (21)

Step 2: Diagram the overall argument in standard form (10 points)

The overall argument in standard form is:

[[(1) & (2)] → (3)] & [[(4) & (5)] → (6)] & [(7) → (8)] → [(22) School uniforms should be adopted in schools around the world.]

[(9) → (12)] & [(10) & (11) → (12)] & [(13) & (14)] → [(15)] & [(16) & (17)] → [(18)] & [(19) & (20)] → [(21)] → [(23) We should be skeptical about introducing uniforms in our schools.]

[(22) School uniforms should be adopted in schools around the world.] & [(23) We should be skeptical about introducing uniforms in our schools.] → [(24) School uniforms are controversial.]

∴ (24) School uniforms are controversial.