INPUT ARTICLE: Article: One of the most important aspects of writing a philosophy paper is anticipating objections to your statements. These are called 'counter-objections' (or simply 'counters').  Imagine that you are having a rational argument with an educated person who disagrees with you. What might that person say to each of the points that you make? A counter to your thesis that “Mercy has more value than justice” might be that a serial killer who preyed on children does not deserve mercy. If you only acknowledge a counter but you do not respond to it, your main point will be weakened. Make sure to clearly and thoroughly explain why you believe the counter is invalid. One response to the counter about the serial killer could be that by serving the serial killer with a just sentence, you are showing mercy to the family and friends of his victims. Failing to address objections to your arguments will make your paper seem weak, and this will be reflected in your grade. Address the major relevant criticisms thoroughly. Once you have addressed and defended against relevant counters, make your own positive argument supporting your thesis. If this raises more counter-objections, address those as well.  After addressing the counter about the serial killer, follow up with a strong argument in defense of a merciful approach. Use specific examples, such as a case of a reformed criminal who changed his ways, was pardoned from prison, and went on to do great things. Another example could be the Biblical story of Moses and the Egyptians - God showed mercy to Moses and the Hebrews by freeing them from slavery. This resulted in punishment for the Egyptians who were holding the Hebrews captive.

SUMMARY: Anticipate objections to your arguments. Respond to each counter-objection. Do not ignore any obvious criticisms against your thesis. Follow counter-objections with a positive argument.


INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Do not bleach your hair if it has been relaxed, chemically straightened, or texturized, as this can damage your hair beyond repair. You can work on freshly-washed hair, but make sure that it is completely dry before you begin. Bleaching is easier on shorter hair than longer hair. If you have never done this before, or feel uncomfortable, consider going to a stylist. Divide your hair into at least 8 sections first, then twist each section into a 2-strand rope braid. This will help stretch your hair out and make it easier to work with. The exact number of twists does not really matter. If you have short hair (i.e. TWA or Teeny Weeny Afro), you don’t need to twist it. Just comb it out to ensure that there are no knots or tangles. Be sure to apply it all along your hairline, including the sides and back of your head. You could also apply some to the tips and edges of your ears as well. This will help protect your skin against the bleach. The type of oil that you use does not matter. It can be olive oil, coconut oil, etc. A button-up shirt would work the best because it is easier to get in and out of. If you don't have any shirts to spare, then drape an old towel or plastic dyeing cape over your shoulders instead. If you're worried about damaging your floor and/or counter, cover it with paper or plastic bags. Newspaper or plastic tablecloths will also work. You can buy these separately or as a kit, but make sure that they both come from the same brand. Since each brand is a little different read the instructions on the package to find out exactly what proportions you should use. In most cases, however, expect to use a 1-to-1 ratio of powder to developer.  If possible, choose a powder and developer that are safe to use on your scalp. Measure out enough developer to saturate your hair, like a hair mask. About 4 ounces (120 mL) of developer should be enough for shoulder-length hair. 20 volume developer is the safest and least damaging, but you can try a 30 volume developer instead if you feel confident bleaching your hair. Just be aware that a 30 volume developer will lighten your hair 3 levels and do so much more quickly than a 20 volume developer, which will lighten your hair 2 levels at a slower rate. You can do this with the handle of your tinting brush or with a plastic (not metal) spoon. Be sure to scrape the bottom and sides of the bowl often so that everything mixes evenly. The color should be consistent with no streaks or swirls. When mixed, bleach will range from white to blue to purple, depending on the brand you got.

SUMMARY: Start with dry, unprocessed hair. Twist your hair into multiple rope braids if it's long. Apply oil or petroleum jelly to your hairline. Pull on a pair of plastic gloves and a shirt that you don't care about. Measure your lightening powder and developer into a non-metal bowl. Mix the powder and developer until they have a batter-like consistency.


INPUT ARTICLE: Article: One of the easiest ways to give your guy some space is to create some healthy space for yourself.  Don’t spend all of your time obsessing over the relationship and over what you did or didn’t do.  Spend time with those who love you, value you, and don’t need a break from you.  Visit your mom more often and hang out with your friends.  Don’t say ‘no’ if your friends try to make plans with you. You likely were filling a considerable amount of time each week hanging out with your guy, and now that that may not be occurring as regularly, you might feel lonely.  Combat this by creating a schedule for yourself to minimize your downtime.  The less time you have that is unoccupied, the less time you will have to ruminate, obsess, or reach out before your guy has gotten enough space. Your guy needing space is a great time for you to devote yourself to work.  Continue to arrive to work on time each day, complete all of your responsibilities on time, and even consider taking on some additional projects or assignments.  See if you can be of service to anyone who needs help. During this time, don’t allow yourself to forget self-care.  Continue to eat well, exercise, and care for your hygienic needs.  Consider pampering yourself to a spa day, or if money is tight, pamper yourself at home.  Consider taking care of your environment, too.  Clean up and organize your space to declutter your surroundings. Keeping your space clutter-free can help you feel better and more focused. Also think about rearranging things like furniture. The novelty itself can be a lift. Perhaps when you were speaking with your guy regularly, you didn’t have much time to explore your own interests that you had prior to the relationship.  Take some time to reconnect with those now.  Read more, join a book club, catch up on your television shows, go out dancing, or learn to cook a few new dishes.  Spend time remembering that life away from your partner can be fun and fulfilling, as well.

SUMMARY:
Spend time with friends and family. Schedule your time. Focus on work. Take care of yourself. Enjoy your hobbies and explore new interests.