Undeniably, the question of “what will future generations condemn us for?” is quite evident to the discerning mind. Anybody who follows climate science will attest to the fact that there is indeed a future generation coming and what we do now certainly defines not only their perspectives on us but also their future circumstances; whether physical or psychological. In this regard, the issues in Appiah’s reading are undoubtedly interesting and evoke copious reasoning besides fundamental questions. This rhetorical analysis presents an examination of Appiah’s logical and emotional thinking. Ideally, the author writes a thought-provoking piece regarding the signs that doom a particular practice for future condemnation. The four practices follow a logical three-step strategy in detailing how the future will judge us. By combining the sensible strategies with an emotional aspect, Appiah convinces scholars on the need for aligning current practices to sustainable tendencies with the future in mind
In his discussion, Appiah’s major points allude to the prison system, the isolation and institutionalization of the elderly and finally, the environmental paradigm. He first presents his logical appeal while introducing generalized atrocities such as the immoral and degrading situation that was slavery and how the masses lived in utter denial of the unnatural phenomenon. Similarly, he expounds on how previous carnages such as domestic violence, viciousness on homosexuals, and waterboarding were considered normal in their times and even extending to the late 20th century when African-Americans underwent lynching crusades known as picnics. Appiah’s unquestionably appeals to both logic and emotion by asking a relatable question, “Looking back at such horrors, it is easy to ask: What were people thinking?” (Appiah, 2019). Notably, Appiah espouses logic by focusing on the need for comprehending the cause of such behaviors.
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As mentioned above, three pertinent logical derivations emerge from Appiah’s thinking and show how practices ultimately end up being condemned in the future. First, as indicated in his introduction, people already know, through hearing and explanation, the arguments against such practices. In this regard, the abolishment of slavery did not just materialize from instantaneous moral clarity. People already knew the cruelty of the practice yet they embraced it for years. Another familiar logic is that defenders of moral counterarguments often rely on tradition, necessity, and human nature to justify their wrongdoings. In essence, this is quite evident among the lot who think climate change and the global economy is a Ponzi scheme. The third logical derivation refers to supporters who value strategic ignorance above tested truth. In this regard, those who promote atrocities by participation or consumption, thereby creating demand do not understand the origins of their indulgences. Such people, as those who wore the cotton produced by slaves or those who presently derive pleasure from pornographic content, value strategic ignorance. Subsequently, this results in the permeation of malignant practices destined for future condemnation
Emotional appeal is also evident in Appiah’s writings, right from the succinct introduction. Indeed, the author illustrates how human reverence of the ignorant, and delight in denial has brought about some of the most despicable results in the endeavor that is life. In addition, he describes the cruelty of slavery so vividly that one is mentally transported to the time when he shows the true nature of what picnics were: events designed to foster torture, the burning of human beings, as well as their hangings (Appiah, 2019).
Ultimately, Appiah’s logical and emotional depictions, especially of human-to-human cruelty, indicate his prowess in philosophical persuasion, which leaves the conscious scholar to yearn for more information due to the unanswered questions. “How will the future judge us” is an elicitation of germane thought in our current world. The budding and experienced philosopher both ask, where will our love for money and economic prosperity leave us? Will we always strive for strategic ignorance and denial while concentrating on economic partialities?
References
Appiah, K. A. (2019). How the future will judge us. In D. U. Seyler & A. Brizee (Eds.) Read, Reason, Write: An Argument Text and Reader (pp. 511-513). New York: McGraw Hill.
