Assignment
Details
Part 1:
Find an argument to analyze. Be creative! Some suggestions are to use a commercial, letter to the editor (or op/ed piece). Analyze the argument you choose.
• What is the main purpose of the argument?
• Is it inductive? Deductive?
• Are there any fallacies being used? If so, which ones?
Part 2:
Does the argument align with a philosophical theory or theorist? Choose one philosophical theory or theorist and explain - from that perspective - what you would change to make the argument better. Think about the steps that you could use to improve the argument. For example, if you pick Socrates as a theorist think of how Socrates would reflect upon and engage the argument for change.
Look for common fallacies like:
• Circular thinking - typically restating the premise in the conclusion and creating a "circular" argument
• Appeals to authority - generally this fallacy considers an argument that we should listen to based on some "false" or "non" authority. Is this happening in your argument example?
• False cause - in this fallacy the writer or speaker attributes a "false" cause to some effect or result (often you will see superstitious thinking used here).
• Sweeping generalizations - this fallacy occurs when an individual makes generalizations (usually stereotypical thinking)
• Equivocation - in this fallacy a person confuses two senses of the meaning of a word (like a free animal- is it free because it doesn't cost anything or is it free because it is not in a "cage"?)
• Red herring - very common in political settings. This fallacy is a distraction (think of a big red fish - pretty distracting, right?)
Format your assignment according to the following formatting requirements:
1. The answer should be typed, double spaced, using Times New Roman font (size 12), with one-inch margins on all sides.
2. The response also include a cover page containing the title of the assignment, the student's name, the course title, and the date. The cover page is not included in the required page length.
3. Also Include a reference page. The Citations and references should follow APA format. The reference page is not included in the required page length.