Over the course of the semester I have learned many concepts and ideas that I will definitely be able to transfer and use in my everyday life. I have learned how to analyze arguments. First off, I have learned how to spot the different kinds of arguments, and whether they are good, strong, or valid. I have learned about the different types of fallacies, how to distinctively spot them, and how to possibly repair them. An example of a valid form of argument is reasoning in a chain. Reasoning in a chain is a chain of conditionals that go step by step, for example:
If I go to the mall tomorrow, then I won’t have time to go to tutoring.
If I do not go to tutoring, my tutor will go home early.
If my tutor goes home early, she will get home in time to watch her favorite television show.
So, if I go to the mall tomorrow, my tutor will be able to watch her favorite television show.
A bad form of reasoning in a chain argument is the fallacy of the slippery slope. The slippery slope argument is a bad argument that also uses a chain of conditionals, but at least one of which is not true of doubtful. For example:
Don’t work out today! If you do, you will be sore tomorrow. You won’t be able to get out of bed, and then you won’t want to work out for the rest of your life!
These are just a few examples of the different concepts that I have learned through this class and can now use to further analyze different arguments.
Ralph Lauren,
ReplyDeleteI agree that all of the concepts that we have learned throughout this course in the semester can be applied to our everyday lives. Knowing how to analyze arguments is useful to prevent further arguments or confusion. All of these concepts also taught us how to create stronger arguments. I also mentioned in my post that using slippery slopes makes a bad argument. Using slippery slopes can become confusing and cause doubts. I liked the example you provided for a slippery slope. Working out can cause one to become sore, but that statement “you won’t want to work out for the rest of your life!” was not true and was dubious. Good post, and don’t forget to use these concepts in the future!