1). In our last discussion week we talked about Violating the Principle of Rational Discussion (page 202) and Content Fallacies (page 201). This week I would like you to discuss the idea of repairing arguments. For this question, please come up with an argument that needs to be repaired. Look over the examples on pages 63-67. Come up with your own example and 'discuss' it as they do in the text. To accomplish this, you should understand the Principle of Rational Discussion and the concept of Repairing Arguments.
example: Matt is an auto mechanic. He has been an auto mechanic for 20 years. Therefore, I would definitely trust his expertise regarding my car repairs.
First for this claim we will have to assume certain sentences are true. The first sentence that states, Matt is an auto mechanic is assumed true. Then the second sentence that we must assume true which is he has been a mechanic for 20 years. Also we have to assume that the person arguing this claim understands the subject under discussion, and is able and willing to reason well, and is not lying. After all the assumptions there is a missing premise that would be needed to glue everything true. We could add, "Any auto mechanic with experience of 10 years or more is well experienced." This extra add on will make the claim stronger and the add on increases the validness of the claim. Since Matt has been a mechanic for 20 years he does know a lot about cars. Therefore, any comments Matt says should be regarded as true (as long as he's not lying). So this extra add on or premises has repaired this argument to a stronger and still valid argument.
Thank you for reading! :]
I love the example you used for cars. It is easy to understand. Mechanics working for more than 20 years have lots of knowledge since people want to spend money on reliable shops. Most Mechanics will trouble shoot a car twice as long because they know the owner wouldn't notice. Some places are not like this, I agree. However, if the company can take advantage of their knowledge and tell the customer it will take longer than usual to finish the car. In reality, the mechanic could be purchasing new parts online and waiting for a shipping because the price is cheaper online. As the days go by during "troubleshooting" many things can be going one. I try my best to bring my car to my mechanic since he owns his own shop, but i travel 45 miles one direction.
ReplyDelete