PHI 101: Introduction to Philosophy

Philosophy in Public Discourse Project: Example Paper

Article:

David A. Kraft. "The Energy Future Begins Today!--Can't Nuke Your Way out of an Energy Crisis." Chicago Independent Media Center. 16 May 2001. 16 May 2001 <http://chicago.indymedia.org/ front.php3?article_id=2541&group=webcast>

Significance:

This statement from the Director of the Nuclear Energy Information Service (a non-profit organization opposed to the use of nuclear power) challenges the Bush administration's proposed national energy policy and suggests and alternative approach. A reliable energy supply is a basic life necessity, and the federal government has considerable power--through its control over taxes, subsidies, research funding, and regulation--to influence how energy is supplied. The President's Energy Development Task Force will release its report tomorrow, May 17, amid accusations and concerns that there has been too little public participation in forming the policy.

Kraft's statement is thus a well-timed criticism of our national leaders' wisdom concerning an important public issue. Such criticism, Confucius would say, should be offered only after careful consideration. It should be intended to educate and persuade both leaders and citizens toward a more beneficial path.

Evaluation:

Kraft uses inflammatory rhetoric, including a personal attack against President Bush and Vice President Cheney, at the beginning of his statement. He then moves to more objective statements and reasoned argument intended to persuade his readers to support an alternative, nuclear-free energy plan.

Kraft begins by pointing out what he sees as parallels between George W. Bush's policy and the policy his father, George Bush, developed ten years ago. Both support more nuclear power and more fossil fuel extraction and use; both reduce concern for environmental protection, efficiency initiatives, and the development of alternative and sustainable energy sources. Kraft then says, "I suppose we should expect no better than `more nukes' from two ex-oil men masquerading as national leaders while conducting the `welfare for status-quo energy producers' business promotional tour."

Kraft then outlines the Bush policy, and contrasts it with his own proposal to reduce or eliminate nuclear power while promoting efficiency and alternative/renewable energy sources. Kraft's final six paragraphs summarize reasons supporting his alternaticve plan. These include:

1. Suitable alternative technologies already exist, but need to be commercially developed and brought to market,
2. Further development of nuclear power draws resources away from this development,
3. The nuclear power industry requires public subsidies to operate, which goes against the Bush administration's own professed free-market economic principles,
4. Public opinion is against building more nuclear power plants but is in favor of more energy efficiency and alternative/renewable energy sourses.

While Kraft does not back up his assertions with documentation, he does provide a link to the NEIS website <www.neis.org>, where one could presumably find further information.

Summary:

Kraft's statement engages a significant public policy issue, and--in the last six paragraphs--does so in a way that Confucius (or any other philosopher) would regard as responsible. His politically loaded language and ad hominem attack at the beginning, however, are out of line in reasoned philosophical discourse. The first three paragraphs of Kraft's statement will certainly turn some readers away before they have a chance to get to his real arguments.

Word count: 470