Deck 19: Luke Maring and Tim Hsiao, “Guns”

Question 1

In his essay, Luke Maring offers an example of a parent taking money from her child's piggybank to illustrate a point about gun ownership. In your essay, explain Maring's piggybank example. Then, explain why someone might resist interpreting the state's role in citizens' lives in this way. Finally, consider how Maring might respond to the argument you propose.

Answer 1

Explicate Maring's piggybank example, explaining how it serves to illustrate the role that the state takes in citizens' lives
Offer an original argument that presents a challenge to the example that Maring develops
Explain how Maring might respond to this objection

Question 2

In his essay, Tim Hsiao makes an argument from liberty. One of the benefits of this argument, in his view, is that "the defender of the argument from liberty does not have to show that guns are beneficial per se." In your essay, explain what Hsiao means by this. Then, offer an objection to his argument from liberty, and consider how Hsiao might reply.

Answer 2

Explain Hsiao's claim that an "argument from liberty does not have to show that guns are beneficial per se
Offer an original argument that presents a challenge to the argument that Hsiao develops
Explain how Hsiao might respond to this objection

Question 3

In his reply, Luke Maring affirms that "Hsiao and I share important common ground: wariness of armed state forces." While they agree on this general point, they come to different conclusions as to how citizens ought to respond. In your essay, explain the nature of this disagreement, drawing from both of their works. Then try to convince your reader that one position, the other, or some alternative is most plausible.

Answer 3

Provide textual support for the authors' responses to their concern over armed state forces
Provide a plausible argument in defense of Maring's response, Hsiao's response, or an alternative response

Question 4

In his essay, Maring affirms that guns advocates have developed two rights-based arguments that cited different entitlements. What do these advocates claim that they are entitled to use guns for?

A) Self-defense and strategic attack
B) Domestic tranquility and neighborhood security
C) Combat training and foreign invasion
D) Recreation and self-defense

Question 5

In his essay, Maring forwards what argument?

A) We should disarm citizens and allow police to keep their guns
B) We should disarm both citizens and police
C) We should arm citizens and disarm police
D) We should allow citizens and police to keep their guns

Question 6

In his essay, Maring offers a series of alternative options to modifying the Second Amendment in order to secure mutual disarmament. Which of the following is one of the options he considers?

A) Lobby on Capitol Hill for rapid, business-based reform
B) Invite celebrities to advocate for mutual disarmament
C) Require bullets sold in the U.S. to have a non-standard diameter
D) Withhold hunting permits on the basis of animals' rights

Question 7

In his essay, Hsiao considers various potential social harms of gun ownership. Which of the following is NOT a harm that he considers?

A) Suicide rates
B) Mass shootings
C) Crime rates
D) Fatal accidents

Question 8

In his essay, Hsiao presents an argument from what in favor of his position?

A) Liberty
B) Equality
C) Justice
D) Fairness

Question 9

In his essay, Hsiao affirms that we should think of an armed citizenry as _____ against government abuse.

A) Stirring up a revolution
B) Being wholly ineffective
C) Erecting an impermeable barrier
D) Providing a deterrent

Question 10

In his reply, Maring outlines three questions we need to ask about the sources we encounter. Which of the following is NOT one of those questions?

A) Is there a consensus opinion among experts; if so, does the source contradict it?
B) Does the source come from a researcher with a narrow and extreme ideological bent?
C) Is the source peer-reviewed?
D) Is this source come from a researcher who upholds moral values?

Question 11

In his reply, Hsiao argues that defensive gun use does not require what?

A) The actual discharge of a firearm
B) For the police to be armed
C) That the victim know how to use a firearm
D) The erasure of no concealed weapon zones

Question 12

Identify the author who affirms the following in his essay: "Political conservatives sometimes criticize liberals for trusting the state-… conservatives are on this score exactly correct. The great insight of conservatism is that governments are not grand impartial arbiters dispassionately pursuing the common good."

A) Luke Maring
B) Tim Hsiao

Question 13

Both Hsiao and Maring are wary of armed state forces.