Deck 13: Loren Cannon and Vaughn Baltzly, “Bathroom Bills”

Question 1

In his essay, Loren Cannon discusses the issue of whether or not there are biological conditions for being a man or a woman. He says,
Defining an individual by their genitalia (or perceived genitalia at birth), their chromosomes, their hormones, or some official designation made before they could barely open their eyes and experience this grand world is to unnecessarily reduce our human experience. Furthermore, doing so disrespects the epistemic authority of trans persons to characterize our experiences … Humans quite simply defy neat categorizations and not recognizing this fact nearly always leads to moral harm.
In your essay, explain what Cannon means by this. Then consider: are there any "neat categorizations" that we may use to define individuals? If not, why not? And if so, why might someone think that those "neat categorizations" are different from the ones that Cannon has in mind?

Answer 1

Accurately explain Cannon's view
Make the case that all "neat categorizations" are objectionable, or explain why they aren't, but someone might take them to be dissimilar from the ones that Cannon discusses

Question 2

In his essay, Vaughn Baltzly discusses the social practices of admissions policies to colleges and universities in the United States. In your essay, explain what he means when he says, "the institution of American higher education is complicit in … the systematic oppression of the socioeconomically disadvantaged, and the ongoing maintenance of privilege and enforcement of class distinctions. Or so one might argue." What do you make of this rhetorical parallel between admissions policies and the social practices surrounding bathroom usage? In your essay, offer an argument that resists Baltzly's implication, suggesting a way that one might support practices like this education, but object to them in the context of other social customs?

Answer 2

Explain Baltzly's rhetorical parallel between admissions policies and the social practices surrounding bathroom usage
Offer an argument that suggests a way of supporting arguably oppressive practices in education, but that does not support such practices in the bathroom case

Question 3

In his reply, Vaughn Baltzly offers "a recipe for how you might have a productive dialogue about … sometimes-conflicting, sometimes-overlapping considerations and positions." In your essay, explain the steps in this recipe. What do you take to be the most complicated step in this process? Offer an example in defense of your answer.

Answer 3

Outline each of the steps that Baltzly presents in his recipe for productive dialogue
Offer an argument for which of these steps is the most complex
Defend this argument by appealing to an example

Question 4

In his essay, Cannon argues that bathroom bills will negatively affect a wide variety of people. One reason for this is because enforcement of these bills will occur on what basis?

A) Birth certificates
B) Physical appearance
C) Inspection of genitalia
D) An unwritten promise

Question 5

In his essay, Cannon affirms that denying people the ability to tend to their physical needs infringes upon their opportunity to _____:

A) Participate in society
B) Form meaningful relationships
C) Experience lasting happiness
D) Have their gender expression validated

Question 6

In his essay, Cannon argues that bathroom bills will negatively affect trans persons in a number of ways. Which of the following is NOT one of those negative effects?

A) Inability to connect with likeminded persons
B) Risk of verbal harassment
C) Disrespect of bodily authority
D) Denial of full moral status

Question 7

In his essay, Baltzly distinguishes between what two notions?

A) Segregation and discrimination
B) Conservatism and conserve-atism
C) Gender identity and gender expression
D) Legalization and Legal-ization

Question 8

In his essay, Baltzly argues that the consistent Progressive must embrace a commitment to what ideal?

A) Generalization
B) Integrationism
C) Absurdism
D) Burkeanism

Question 9

In his essay, Baltzly argues in defense of his position by supporting what approach to convention and custom?

A) A Progressive approach
B) A legalistic approach
C) A liberalizing approach
D) Edumund Burke's approach

Question 10

In his reply, Cannon concludes with what he calls his "most important criticism" of Baltzly's argument. What is this criticism?

A) No one has moral reasons defend Burkean tendencies
B) Transgender persons should not be barred from meaningful social participation
C) The only effective change is rapid social change
D) These proposals' negative impact on marginalized persons isn't discussed

Question 11

In his reply, Baltzly takes issue with Cannon's appeal to what?

A) The rights of trans persons
B) A regime of fully-fledged integration
C) The non-inheritability argument
D) A recipe for productive dialogue

Question 12

Identify the author who affirms the following in his essay: "At the most basic level, respecting another means to, at the very least, respect that they have authority over their physical bodies"

A) Loren Cannon
B) Vaughn Baltzly

Question 13

In his essay, Baltzly argues in defense of the position that "the very notion of being transgender is suspect."