Argument56【超越自我小组】第15次作业

apjackUID: 2381599

56. Collectors prize the ancient life-size clay statues of human figures made on Kali Island but have long wondered how the Kalinese artists were able to depict bodies with such realistic precision. Since archeologists have recently discovered molds of human heads and hands on Kali, we can now conclude that the ancient Kalinese artists used molds of actual bodies, not sculpting tools and techniques, to create these statues. This discovery explains why Kalinese miniature statues were abstract and entirely different in style: molds could only be used for life-size sculptures. It also explains why few ancient Kalinese sculpting tools have been found. In light of this development, collectors should expect the life-size sculptures to decrease in value and the miniatures to increase in value.

Based on the recent discovery of archeologists, the author hastily concludes that the value of life-size sculptures and miniatures will change. However, the argument is not well-supported and well-reasoned as merely relying on the discovery cannot reach the author’s allegation.

In the first place, the author provides insufficient evidence to substantiate that the discovered molds of human heads and hands were used for making life-size statues. The author does not indicate that are the molds they found similar to any life-size clay sculpture. It is entirely possible that the discovered molds and life-size statues are not coeval products. Even if they were used for the statues, we could not conclude that the whole statue was made from molding, without sculpting. Without ruling out these possibilities, the author cannot convincingly conclude that life-size statues were created by molds.

Furthermore, the author fails to consider other alternatives for that Kalinese miniature statues were abstract and entirely different in style compared to life-size statues. Such alternative may include the fact that miniature statutes have utterly different application, or that two types of statues were made by different artists. It is entirely possible that miniature statues were used for religious purpose, while life-size statues were used for decoration. Diverse religions in ancient Kali lead to great different styles of miniature statues. Without ruling out these possible scenarios, the author cannot reasonably conclude that miniature should have a higher value because of its abstract and completely different styles.

Finally, even making life-size statues relying on molds rather than sculpting tools, the author unfairly draws the conclusion that the value of life-size sculpture will be decreased, whereas the value of miniature will be increased. It is true that the value of sculpture hinges on several factors, but not only the method for making statues. Perhaps the quality of life-size sculpture is deficient compared to miniature, for instance, 1 life-size to 100 miniatures in ratio. Or perhaps many life-size sculptures are not completely integrity. In addition, the value of sculpture also depends on their age, aesthetic and scientific value. It is possible that life-size sculptures were came from 1000 years ago, but miniature statues were came from 100 years ago. If so, the life-size sculptures should be more valuable. Without considering other parameters influencing statue’s value, the author’s conclusion is dubious.

In sum, the argument is not persuasive. In order to bolster the author’s assertion, he should provide concrete information of that the disinterred molds were applied to the life-size statues and of the number life-size and miniature statues.

zugurrrUID: 2482827

thanks for your suggestions on my issue on 19th.




Based on the recent discovery of archeologists, the author hastily concludes that the value of life-size sculptures and miniatures will change. However, the argument is not well-supported and well-reasoned as merely relying on the discovery cannot reach the author’s allegation.

In the first place, the author provides insufficient evidence to substantiate that the discovered molds of human heads and hands were used for making life-size statues. The author does not indicate that are the molds they found similar to any life-size clay sculpture. It is entirely possible that the discovered molds and life-size statues are not coeval products. Even if they were used for the statues, we could not conclude that the whole statue was made from molding, without sculpting. Without ruling out these possibilities, the author cannot convincingly conclude that life-size statues were created by molds.(I think our critic point should fucus on the valuation which might not be affected no matter from body-molding or partly body-molding)

Furthermore, the author fails to consider other alternatives for that Kalinese miniature statues were abstract and entirely different in style compared to life-size statues. Such alternative may include the fact that miniature statutes have utterly different application, or that two types of statues were made by different artists. It is entirely possible that miniature statues were used for religious purpose, while life-size statues were used for decoration(haha, amazing imagination. it make sense). Diverse religions in ancient Kali lead to great different styles of miniature statues. Without ruling out these possible scenarios, the author cannot reasonably conclude that miniature should have a higher value because of its abstract and completely different styles.(so many poinions, I am learning)

Finally, even making life-size statues relying on molds rather than sculpting tools, the author unfairly draws the conclusion that the value of life-size sculpture will be decreased, whereas the value of miniature will be increased. It is true that the value of sculpture hinges on several factors, but not only the method for making statues. Perhaps the quality of life-size sculpture is deficient compared to miniature, for instance, 1 life-size to 100 miniatures in ratio( Is there something about quality?). Or perhaps many life-size sculptures are not completely integrity. In addition, the value of sculpture also depends on their age, aesthetic and scientific value. It is possible that life-size sculptures were came from 1000 years ago, but miniature statues were came from 100 years ago. If so, the life-size sculptures should be more valuable. Without considering other parameters influencing statue’s value, the author’s conclusion is dubious.

In sum, the argument is not persuasive. In order to bolster the author’s assertion, he should provide concrete information of that the disinterred molds were applied to the life-size statues and of the number life-size and miniature statues.

excellent sentence oragnization and words application. your works inspire me.