College Essays-“Analyzing Arguments.
View and take notes on the video “Analyzing Arguments.” It aims to orient you to the main issues in the reading.
Read and take notes from Chapter 7 of Prelude to Philosophy: “Analyzing Arguments.” As you read, make sure to understand the following points and questions:
· Why is clarity important for a good argument?
· What is the difference between consistent and coherent?
· What determines how comprehensive an argument needs to be?
· What are the 2 basic approaches to structuring an argument?
· Explain the idea of fair use of evidence.
· What is a positive/negative approach and what is the advantage of using it?
· What is the advantage of a best explanation approach?
· List and explain the 5 aspects of a best explanation.
· What is the principle of simplicity and what is a danger concerning it?
· What is the very first task in analyzing an argument?
· What are 3 ways to find the conclusion in an argument?
· What is the common standard logical order for an argument?
· Why do we ask about the premises supporting the conclusion before asking about the truthfulness of the premises?
· What are the 2 reasons arguments fail?
· How does observing language help us to determine the reliability of the premises?
· What is meant by examples being representative? What is a counterexample?
· Explain the problems of unqualified and conflicting authorities and how to resolve them.
· What are some of the traps to watch out for when arguing causally?
