argument140 [0710G Victors互助小组]第4次作业 by Lemon

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Argument140 the following appeared in a report of the Committee on Faculty Promotions and Salaries at Elm City University.

"During her seventeen years as a professor of botany, Professor Thomas has proved herself to be well worth her annual salary of $50,000. Her classes are among the largest at the university, demonstrating her popularity among students. Moreover, the money she has brought to the university in research grants has exceeded her salary in each of the last two years. Therefore, in consideration of Professor Thomas' demonstrated teaching and research abilities, we recommend that she receive a $10,000 raise and a promotion to Department Chairperson; without such a raise and promotion, we fear that Professor Thomas will leave Elm City University for another college."

  In this argument, the author indicates his reasons of a raise in Professor Thomas’s salary and a promotion in her position. But there is a fatal mistake that he only considers this teacher’s individual contribution but overlooks the whole staff’s endeavor and other workmates’ achievements. A lack of objective comparison would lead to an unjust conclusion. And whether her resignation purpose depends on the increase of her salary is also under farther discussion.
  Firstly, the demonstration of this professor’s prevalence among students and outstanding work ability lacks a substantial support. Having classes of the largest at the university don’t signify her popularity. Other causes could exist, botany may be a simple subject when contrasted with others, and attracts many students who want a high score in their term examination, other reasons, such as a rather huge portion of these students represent their interests in this knowledge, also can lead to this result, whether this professor is real popular among students needs more powerful evidences. And the last two years the research grants she has brought to the university are more than her fixed salary, however, two year period is too short, the author doesn’t take other years in consider. Perhaps these two years this professor leads a research project which needs a considerable financial support, other times are difficult to say. Consequently, to support his points, the author should obtain more evidences than now.
  What’s more, granted that these cases have been tested to be true, the author needs other teachers’ presentation to be a reference at the same time. The person has better performance should take the position of Department Chairperson, if do not, it will lead to an unjust situation. There is another cause that this professor has no interests in the administrative work; many scholars only would like to devote their energy and time to academic research, if Mrs. Thomas belongs to them, we’d better not violate her wish. So around the issue of this promotion, more investigations need to be carried out.
  Since the author mentions the possibility of the teacher’s resignation, but he neglects other probable causes besides a low salary and inferior position. If the teacher has determined to leave for some tough reasons, only considering and resolving these two requires does not work. To think it fully, for instance, her family has transferred to another city; she can’t stand some aspects of her circumstance such as her work condition or workmates anymore, etc. That is to say, whether her resignation purpose only depends on the salary and position is uncertain.
  In sum, indeed the teacher has done a good job, but for the sake of justice, there needs more substantial supports and a comparison between her and other professors, only that can we draw an objective conclusion, before more facts have been determined, a salary increase and position promotion is a thoughtless decision.