Discuss how the lexical definitions and connotations

Reference no: EM133669976

Journal Assignment

Remember - your actual journal entry should be somewhat brief; most of your time should be spent thinking about the questions asked and the issues raised. Your thoughts should then be distilled into a mini-argument that will respond affirmatively to the four tests for evaluating arguments: truthfulness of premises, logical strength, relevance, and non-circularity.

Instructions

For this journal assignment, briefly answer each of the following prompts:

A. Inference: The differing meanings of "valid inference" and "warranted inference" are closely related to the differing purposes of deductive and inductive arguments - the purpose of deductive being to prove; the purpose of inductive to make the conclusion most probable.

1. Look up the words "valid" and "warranted." Each of these words, you will find, has what is known as a lexical definition - that is just the dictionary definition of the word. Words also have a certain connotations - meanings that go beyond their lexical definitions; associated ideas and concepts - think of terms such a "fur baby" as the name for a pet.

2. Briefly discuss how the lexical definitions and connotations of "valid" and "warranted" can help us understand the differing purposes of deductive and inductive arguments.

B. Fallacies: In Section 8.2, the text states that there are "fallacious argument templates" (Facione & Gittens, p. 167) and then gives a number of examples. The authors further state: "Analysis of the meanings of the terms used and the grammatical rules of the language reveal the source of error" (p.167).

1. Choose one of the fallacies in this section, such as Denying the Antecedent or False Classification and pair it with the valid argument template. For example, if you choose Denying the Antecedent, the valid argument template will be Denying the Consequent. False Classification would pair with one of the fallacies in Reasoning About Classes of Objects.

2. Explain, in your own words, how the fallacy is revealed through analysis of the valid argument template. Think of it this way - if you know how the heart works, you will know that certain malfunctions will prevent it from working. For example, if you know that the coronary arteries supply the heart with blood, then you can reason that a blockage will stop that vital flow. So this journal prompt asks you to explain, in your own words, how one of the valid argument templates work - and how that exposes the fallacy connected with that type of argument.

C. Civic Responsibility: At the end of Chapter 9 there is a Bonus Exercise that asks you to research and analyze the 2009 debate over the healthcare public option. If you were actually to complete that exercise, it would take quite a bit of time and effort.

1. Do you think that completing such an exercise would be time well spent or time wasted? If well-spent, why? If time wasted, why?

2. Is there any issue on which you think a comparable amount of time and effort would be worthwhile?

3. As a critical thinker, do you believe that citizens have an obligation to be informed on topics of current interest? If yes, why, if no, why not?

Reference no: EM133669976

Questions Cloud

Discuss economic inequality between men and women : How does your place of employment address complaints of sexual harassment and discrimination? Discuss economic inequality between men and women.

How you will incorporate these learning into field education : How did this demonstration show you are ready to enter field experience? Explain how you will incorporate these learning into your Field Education experience.

What the bad carbohydrates are in this meal : Choose your favorite meal that contains at least one "bad" carbohydrate. Explain to the class what the "bad" carbohydrates are in this meal.

What impact have the history of slavery : What impact have the history of slavery, genocide, immigration, sexuality, gender and inequitable access to resources had on contemporary

Discuss how the lexical definitions and connotations : Discuss how the lexical definitions and connotations of valid and warranted can help us understand the differing purposes of deductive and inductive arguments.

What opportunities for education would you identify : What vaccines would be recommended for a young adult? What opportunities for education would you identify?

What is a normal left ventricular ejection fraction : What test would you expect to be ordered next to evaluate the patient's heart function? What is considered a normal left ventricular ejection fraction?

Write a persuasive compelling philosophy on is it possible : Write a persuasive, compelling, philosophy on is it possible to ground environmental ethic on Kants morality, that demonstrates mastery of all of learning.

What inspired you to pursue a career in health care : What inspired you to pursue a career in health care? What challenges and successes have you experienced while working toward your goals?

User Account

All Pages