Week 13, Post 3
A section in chapter 15 explains the importance of normal conditions used in arguments. Normal conditions are casual claims that are claims that are unstated but obvious and plausible but used to make arguments stronger and valid. In arguments, it is normal to leave certain things left out or unsaid especially if it would be an obvious statement. I found the use of normal condition claims to be an essential when presenting an argument because it allows us to keep our claims short and direct. It is not necessary to have additional apparent information because it is not the focal point of the argument and may cause confusion. Using normal condition claims would make the premises more likely to be vague or broad because statements that are evident can be endless. I think the claims that support the argument should be more concrete, focusing on the importance of the claims is needed.
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Mission Critical Website
Week 13, Post 2
The Mission Critical Website is very useful especially because critical thinking is an aspect of everyday life. Critical thinking is important because it helps you logically evaluate and make arguments. The information provided from the website is almost similar to the book that we use for class. The site is divided into different sections making it easier to locate specific parts. Another reason why the site is useful is the exercises at the end of each section. Not only are there exercises but there are also quizzes that will allow us to gain additional knowledge in critical thinking. Examples are also discussed using explanations such as using certain words may alter the argument. Each of the topics is redirected to another page which contains all the necessary information in depth allowing readers to understand and comprehend better. When the links get redirected, the pages are less overwhelming because it solely focuses on one topic per page.
The Mission Critical Website is very useful especially because critical thinking is an aspect of everyday life. Critical thinking is important because it helps you logically evaluate and make arguments. The information provided from the website is almost similar to the book that we use for class. The site is divided into different sections making it easier to locate specific parts. Another reason why the site is useful is the exercises at the end of each section. Not only are there exercises but there are also quizzes that will allow us to gain additional knowledge in critical thinking. Examples are also discussed using explanations such as using certain words may alter the argument. Each of the topics is redirected to another page which contains all the necessary information in depth allowing readers to understand and comprehend better. When the links get redirected, the pages are less overwhelming because it solely focuses on one topic per page.
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Cause and Effect Website
Week 13, Post 1
The cause and effect website was very useful because it narrowed each claim in details. The example of a casual argument the site used was about a bicyclist and two drivers. A bicyclist had to move into the traffic due to a truck that was parked in the bike lane illegally. To prevent from hitting the bicyclist, the car slams her brakes. The car following behind did not stop in time and rear ended the first car. The scenario was broken down into details including how each of the lawyers representing their clients can be defended and not be at fault. The site also included other forms of casual arguments such as reverse causation, post hoc reasoning, and common cause. Other information must also be considered; the argument may include a mixture of "difference" and "commodity" reasoning that can affect the case. Some useful tips were also provided on how casual arguments can be beneficial.
The cause and effect website was very useful because it narrowed each claim in details. The example of a casual argument the site used was about a bicyclist and two drivers. A bicyclist had to move into the traffic due to a truck that was parked in the bike lane illegally. To prevent from hitting the bicyclist, the car slams her brakes. The car following behind did not stop in time and rear ended the first car. The scenario was broken down into details including how each of the lawyers representing their clients can be defended and not be at fault. The site also included other forms of casual arguments such as reverse causation, post hoc reasoning, and common cause. Other information must also be considered; the argument may include a mixture of "difference" and "commodity" reasoning that can affect the case. Some useful tips were also provided on how casual arguments can be beneficial.
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Judging Analogies
Week 12, Post 3
I found section C (Judging Analogies) in chapter 12, Reasoning by Analogy, extremely useful. In this section of the book, I learned that reasoning by analogy is used when the premises are not clear or vague. When premises are not apparent or understandable, making comparisons or similarities are needed to draw the conclusion. The examples the book used were exceedingly helpful, it made it easier for me to understand because the two premises that are being compared must have some sort of relativity. The examples in the book went in depth and explained why certain analogies will not work. It listed numerous similarities and differences such as how both firemen and soldiers wear uniforms and fight for the lives of others. It stated that it needs to find the similarities and the importance "in order to find a general principle that applies to both sides." It is also required important to find differences because the "general principle might not apply to one side."
I found section C (Judging Analogies) in chapter 12, Reasoning by Analogy, extremely useful. In this section of the book, I learned that reasoning by analogy is used when the premises are not clear or vague. When premises are not apparent or understandable, making comparisons or similarities are needed to draw the conclusion. The examples the book used were exceedingly helpful, it made it easier for me to understand because the two premises that are being compared must have some sort of relativity. The examples in the book went in depth and explained why certain analogies will not work. It listed numerous similarities and differences such as how both firemen and soldiers wear uniforms and fight for the lives of others. It stated that it needs to find the similarities and the importance "in order to find a general principle that applies to both sides." It is also required important to find differences because the "general principle might not apply to one side."
Reasoning of Analogy
Week 12, Post 2
One of the reasoning that I was having difficulty understanding was reasoning by analogy. At first, I did not understand how a comparison of two or more sides or things will make any premises in an argument true or valid. However, after doing some research, I came across a site that went in depth explaining what reasoning by analogy is and how it is presented in an argument. I learned that reasoning by analogy is a form of inductive reasoning and it has a logical relationship used to compare two similar things to each other. Looking at the similarities will show either related or unique characteristics. With the results after analyzing, we can determine if we made valid analytical comparisons. In an argument, it is not necessary for two things to be common for the premises or conclusion to be true. It is possible to have an argument plausible because one thing differs from the other.
http://www4.samford.edu/schools/netlaw/dh2/logic/analogy.htm
One of the reasoning that I was having difficulty understanding was reasoning by analogy. At first, I did not understand how a comparison of two or more sides or things will make any premises in an argument true or valid. However, after doing some research, I came across a site that went in depth explaining what reasoning by analogy is and how it is presented in an argument. I learned that reasoning by analogy is a form of inductive reasoning and it has a logical relationship used to compare two similar things to each other. Looking at the similarities will show either related or unique characteristics. With the results after analyzing, we can determine if we made valid analytical comparisons. In an argument, it is not necessary for two things to be common for the premises or conclusion to be true. It is possible to have an argument plausible because one thing differs from the other.
http://www4.samford.edu/schools/netlaw/dh2/logic/analogy.htm
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Different Types of Reasoning
Week 12, Post 1
1. Reasoning by Analogy
The process of using comparisons of two or more sides of reasoning to conclude the end result.
Riding a train is like riding on Bart.
2. Sign Reasoning
Two or more things in an argument that are relatively related or similar or an absence of one indicates the presence of another.
When there is a puddle in the middle of the room, there's a leak on the roof.
3. Casual Reasoning
There is a good reasoning to believe that there is an activity of some sort (cause) is followed by another activity (effect).
Drinking milk (cause) gives you strong bones (effect).
4. Reasoning by Criteria
In an argument, one usually analyze and make judgments before making the best decision.
White bed sheets are better than green sheets because it matches with more things.
5. Reasoning by Example
In an argument, an example is used as support for good reasoning.
Boys love toy trucks. My nephew only plays with his toy trucks.
6. Inductive
Inductive reasoning are based on previous observations or experiences that are used for premises in arguments.
Oprah starts at 4:00pm on Mondays through Fridays.
Therefore, Oprah will start at 4:00pm on Monday.
7. Deductive
If the premises are valid then the conclusion must also be true.
Last time someone changed the light bulb was a year ago.
The room is still dark after numerous attempts turning on and off the light switch.
Therefore, the light bulb burned out.
1. Reasoning by Analogy
The process of using comparisons of two or more sides of reasoning to conclude the end result.
Riding a train is like riding on Bart.
2. Sign Reasoning
Two or more things in an argument that are relatively related or similar or an absence of one indicates the presence of another.
When there is a puddle in the middle of the room, there's a leak on the roof.
3. Casual Reasoning
There is a good reasoning to believe that there is an activity of some sort (cause) is followed by another activity (effect).
Drinking milk (cause) gives you strong bones (effect).
4. Reasoning by Criteria
In an argument, one usually analyze and make judgments before making the best decision.
White bed sheets are better than green sheets because it matches with more things.
5. Reasoning by Example
In an argument, an example is used as support for good reasoning.
Boys love toy trucks. My nephew only plays with his toy trucks.
6. Inductive
Inductive reasoning are based on previous observations or experiences that are used for premises in arguments.
Oprah starts at 4:00pm on Mondays through Fridays.
Therefore, Oprah will start at 4:00pm on Monday.
7. Deductive
If the premises are valid then the conclusion must also be true.
Last time someone changed the light bulb was a year ago.
The room is still dark after numerous attempts turning on and off the light switch.
Therefore, the light bulb burned out.
Saturday, November 6, 2010
An appeal to Spite
Week 11, Post 3
In chapter 10, Too Much Emotions, the definition of an appeal to spite is the hope of revenge, is invariably rejected as bad by some people on moral grounds. An appeal to spite occurs when a person's honor is more important than lending a helping hand. Usually, one's action is not reciprocated and is acceptable in his or her own culture.
Alex: Are you moving out of the apartment by yourself?
Monica: Yes, can you help me move my furniture out of my apartment?
Alex: Yeah, of course.
Melanie: (discreetly) Why are you helping her move? She did not help you paint your walls last month.
The argument is Alex should not help Monica move her furniture because she did not help him paint. Her action was not reciprocated therefore, Alex does not have to help her as well. It was not even even exchange although Alex was not out for revenge, Melanie thought it was unfair. The premise is Alex should not help anyone who is not willing to help him out.
In chapter 10, Too Much Emotions, the definition of an appeal to spite is the hope of revenge, is invariably rejected as bad by some people on moral grounds. An appeal to spite occurs when a person's honor is more important than lending a helping hand. Usually, one's action is not reciprocated and is acceptable in his or her own culture.
Alex: Are you moving out of the apartment by yourself?
Monica: Yes, can you help me move my furniture out of my apartment?
Alex: Yeah, of course.
Melanie: (discreetly) Why are you helping her move? She did not help you paint your walls last month.
The argument is Alex should not help Monica move her furniture because she did not help him paint. Her action was not reciprocated therefore, Alex does not have to help her as well. It was not even even exchange although Alex was not out for revenge, Melanie thought it was unfair. The premise is Alex should not help anyone who is not willing to help him out.
Appeal to Fear
Week 11, Post 2
3. Find an advertisement that uses an appeal to fear. Is it a good argument?
The advertisement wants to prevent teenage girls from getting pregnancy at a young age. I think this is a good argument because the text below the three female figures is alarming. The text presents the statistics reading that currently in the United States 1 in 3 teenage girls will get pregnant by the age of 19 which is considered high. The picture shows 3 female figures and one of them is shaded in a light pink allowing the viewers to see the ratio. This advertisement shows appeal to fear because it wants to create awareness and increase an alarm of terror. This picture wanted to scare girls so they will either be abstinent or be careful an use protection. Imagining it on a bigger scale, if there were 300 teenage girls, out of that 100 of them are pregnant. Most of them will just graduate high school and are not ready to take care of herself let alone another human being.
3. Find an advertisement that uses an appeal to fear. Is it a good argument?
The advertisement wants to prevent teenage girls from getting pregnancy at a young age. I think this is a good argument because the text below the three female figures is alarming. The text presents the statistics reading that currently in the United States 1 in 3 teenage girls will get pregnant by the age of 19 which is considered high. The picture shows 3 female figures and one of them is shaded in a light pink allowing the viewers to see the ratio. This advertisement shows appeal to fear because it wants to create awareness and increase an alarm of terror. This picture wanted to scare girls so they will either be abstinent or be careful an use protection. Imagining it on a bigger scale, if there were 300 teenage girls, out of that 100 of them are pregnant. Most of them will just graduate high school and are not ready to take care of herself let alone another human being.
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Appeals to Emotion
Week 11, Post 1
In an argument, an appeal to emotion is when a premise is expressing what a person should believe or feel in a certain way.
A feel-good argument appeals to me the most because it can be applied to all types of situations we go through in our lives. A feel-good argument occurs when we want to feel good about ourselves. There is a desire to see the positivity within ourselves. We want to be convinced that there is self-importance and how we perceive our own self has more value and respect.
An example of a feel-good argument is:
Paul is on a diet, part of his diet plan is to go on a daily run every morning and to eat healthy. Eating healthy means no sugar and no dark meat. However, one day after his jog, Paul wanted to eat a donut and said, "I deserve a donut, I have been following his diet for a while and one donut won't hurt."
In an argument, an appeal to emotion is when a premise is expressing what a person should believe or feel in a certain way.
A feel-good argument appeals to me the most because it can be applied to all types of situations we go through in our lives. A feel-good argument occurs when we want to feel good about ourselves. There is a desire to see the positivity within ourselves. We want to be convinced that there is self-importance and how we perceive our own self has more value and respect.
An example of a feel-good argument is:
Paul is on a diet, part of his diet plan is to go on a daily run every morning and to eat healthy. Eating healthy means no sugar and no dark meat. However, one day after his jog, Paul wanted to eat a donut and said, "I deserve a donut, I have been following his diet for a while and one donut won't hurt."
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