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The student will apply to specific examples the techniques and methods
of reconstructing and critically evaluating arguments. This will involve
demonstrating an understanding in writing of:
1. The distinction between deductive and inductive reasoning and
techniques for their evaluation.
2. The formal and informal fallacies of language and thought.
3. The relation between persuasive rhetoric and logic.
4, The relation between scientific methods and scientific claims.
5. The ability to build an argument based on sound inferences from
unambiguous statements of knowledge and belief, fact and judgement.
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The sequence of topics presented in Philosophy 3 often varies, but a
typical course includes the following:
1. Introduction to the key concepts to be used in reconstructing,
analyzing and evaluating arguments, e.g., an argument, reasons,
premises, conclusion, validity, soundness, implicit, explicit,
support, justification, relevance, fallacious, cogent, induction,
deduction, world views, and background beliefs.
2. Presentation and analysis of classical fallacies in argumentation,
e.g., denying the antecedent, affirming the consequent, appeal to
authority, equivocation, ad hominem, straw man, begging the question,
inconsistency, slippery slope, suppressed evidence, hasty conclusion,
non sequitur, and appeal to ignorance.
3. Presentation, analysis and evaluation of Causal Arguments,
including the relationship between scientific methods and claims.
4. Presentation, analysis and evaluation of Analogy Arguments.
5. Presentation, analysis and evaluation of Generalization Arguments
and Statistical Arguments: applying the concepts of population and
sampling.
6. Language - topics include connotation, denotation, double-speak,
euphemism, and common rhetorical devices.
7. Analyzing and constructing extended arguments - topics include
outlining or reconstructing extended passages or essays that argue
to a conclusion, analysis and evaluation of extended passages, and
developing an argument for one's own position on a controversial
issue, e.g., abortion, drug legalization, or capital punishment.
8. Advertising - topics include how ads work, promises and identification
techniques, things to watch out for in advertisements, public
relations and selling candidates with political rhetoric and image.
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Assignments for Philosophy 3 vary but typically include the following:
1. Regular reading assignments from course texts and supplementary
materials.
2. Regular or occasional quizzes which cover the assigned readings.
Quizzes may be either multiple choice or short essays.
3. Regular or occasional homework assignments covering material from
the textbook or class discussions and lectures.
4. At least two midterm examinations. Each exam is approximately one
hour long. Students must write in-class essays in response to
questions on materials covered in class and in texts. Typically
students will be asked to outline, analyze and evaluate an argument
or arguments of types covered in class.
5. A final examination - approximately 2-3 hours long. Students must
write in-class essays in response to questions on material covered
in class. Typically an outline, analysis and evaluation of
argument-types covered in class.
6. Students may also be required to write a term paper in which they
research an issue or topic raised in class and defend a particular
position on that issue.
7. Students will also be encouraged to participate in class discussion.
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LOGIC AND CONTEMPORARY RHETORIC by Howard Kahane, 6th ed., Wadsworth, 1995
INVITATION TO CRITICAL THINKING by J. Rudinow & V.E. Barry,
Harcourt Brace, 1994.
