Cigarette Labeling: For and Against Essay

Arguments for Cigarette Labels:

1. The argument seems invalid: research evidence suggests that the type of the label (textual or graphic) may impact individuals’ decisions to smoke or refuse to smoke, whereas the size of the message does not affect.
2. The argument does not make any point but merely states that there have been studies on the subject matter.
3. The argument may be viewed as a bandwagon fallacy: just because many countries are operating in this way, it does not mean that others should do as well.
4. The statement is an unverifiable conclusion; to perceive it as an argument, a reader must be aware of the premises that led the writer to make that conclusion. For instance, cigarette consumption causes diseases (Premise 1) and graphic warnings lead to a decline in cigarette use (Premise 2). In case the writer mentioned these premises in the argument, it would be considered valid.

Arguments against Cigarette Use

1. The statement is an inductive argument since it does not have any rigorous proof; it seems that the claim is based more on the writer’s views than on evidence and verifiable truths.
2. The statement is a false premise (since the right to free expression can be limited under the harm principle) and cannot be regarded as a complete argument. To make a valid argument, one must have at least two true premises.
3. The argument lacks validity since the premises behind the conclusion are unclear.
4. The statement is not argumentative as well: a reader is unable to detect facts that led a writer to the conclusion. Thus, it may be presumed that the statement is based on emotions more than on rational reasoning.
5. The arguer never states why it is bad to demean smokers. If they included a statement that all beings deserve to be treated with respect, then the argument would have been more complete.
6. The argument should include a clearer explanation of premises and reasons for making a certain conclusion.
7. Based on the statement, it is impossible to identify neither the premises nor the reasoning processes behind the conclusion. Considering that it is made based on the previously mentioned statements, the argument is not valid since the premises like “Packaging humiliates smokers” are false.