Transcript Chapter Five

Chapter Five
Principles of
Discussion and Debate
Copyright  2010 Pearson Education Canada / J A McLachlan
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Applying Logical Reasoning
Three Steps to Logical Reasoning
1. Formulating the Question—Clear Thinking
clarity: define terms, avoid misunderstandings
right/wrong = absolute terms
good/bad
= relative terms
2. Doing the Research—Critical Thinking
Is it accurate? (true, reliable)
Is it specific? (detailed)
Is it relevant? (relates directly to the question)
(Continued)
Copyright  2010 Pearson Education Canada / J A McLachlan
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Applying Logical Reasoning
3. Forming Persuasive Arguments…
depth – examines the complexities of the issue
breadth – examines various perspectives and impacts
relevance – arguments relate directly to the issue
…Based on Sound Ethical Theory
Is there a Divine Command relevant to the audience?
What character virtues apply to the issue?
What principles and rights apply to the issue?
What are the possible consequences? (Give evidence to
prove likelihood of evidence.)
What are the arguments for enlightened self-interest?
(Continued)
Copyright  2010 Pearson Education Canada / J A McLachlan
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Applying Logical Reasoning
Inductive Reasoning
Uses specific examples, experiments or
statistics to draw a general conclusion.
Example: Every snowball I touch is cold,
therefore all snowballs are cold.
(Continued)
Copyright  2010 Pearson Education Canada / J A McLachlan
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Applying Logical Reasoning
Deductive Reasoning
A general (mutually accepted) premise
leads to a specific (accepted or proved)
premise which then leads to a
particular conclusion.
Example: All snowballs are cold. That is a
snowball. Therefore, that will be cold.
Copyright  2010 Pearson Education Canada / J A McLachlan
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Drawing Conclusions
Descriptive Conclusions
Factual conclusions based on the research (e.g.,
Studies show that exposure to violence on TV
leads to aggressive behaviour)
Normative Conclusions
Moral conclusions based on an evaluation of both
research and logical arguments (e.g., Violence
should not be shown on TV)
–Based on descriptive conclusions from both the
research and the logical arguments concerning the
negative impact of aggressive behaviour
Copyright  2010 Pearson Education Canada / J A McLachlan
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Logical and Emotional Fallacies
Give an example of the following errors
in logical argument:
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Non –sequitor (cause and effect error)
Post hoc fallacy (temporal cause and effect error)
Begging the question (assuming proof)
Circular reasoning (repeating in different words)
Red herring (introducing irrelevant facts)
Either/or (falsely limiting alternatives)
False analogy (comparing things that aren’t alike)
(Continued)
Copyright  2010 Pearson Education Canada / J A McLachlan
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Logical and Emotional Fallacies
Give an example of the following errors
in logical argument:
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Bandwagon (appeal to majority opinion)
Two wrongs don’t make a right
Hasty generalization (insufficient evidence)
Slippery slope fallacy (assume consequences based
on insufficient evidence)
• Dogmatism (unproved opinions rigidly asserted)
• Scare tactics (emotional manipulation using fear)
Copyright  2010 Pearson Education Canada / J A McLachlan
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Principles to Consider
Write an argument for or against free
post-secondary tuition based on
each of the following principles:
Equality
Beneficence
Non-maleficence
Conservatism
Confidentiality
Equal consideration of interests
Copyright  2010 Pearson Education Canada / J A McLachlan
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Human Rights Issues
Describe a situation in which you
would want to claim the right to:
Freedom of expression
Safe & healthy workplace
Pursue your own best interests
Due process before an impartial judge
Justice—Procedural, Distributive,
Compensatory, Retributive
Copyright  2010 Pearson Education Canada / J A McLachlan
Be informed
Autonomy
Privacy
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