How does a Perspective differ from a Position?

It is important to distinguish between a perspective, which can be shared by many authors, and a position, which is the specific argument made by a particular author. For instance, many authors who debate the abortion issue in this country can be characterized as taking a "Pro-Choice" perspective. Others who debate that issue can be characterized as taking a "Pro-Life" perspective. Although the positions taken by individual authors who oppose abortion might vary (some arguing against it for moral reasons, others for legal or pragmatic reasons), they can all be said to share the same "Pro-Life" perspective.

In this assignment, we are interested in the larger question of perspectives. In the next assignment, we'll ask you to define your own position on the issue that you are investigating.