1).Please discuss, in detail, what you learned from reading Chapter 6. Discuss at least 2 things you learned.
In Chapter 6 of the Epstein book I have learned numerous aspect of the spoken language or how people communicate. The first thing I have learned from Chapter 6 is when humans communicate at times we tend to leave out other possibilities that can lead to the same conclusion. For example, If Cindy bikes to work today. Cindy's car broke down again. So Cindy bikes to work. That statement is valid yet, its not a strong argument its a weak argument which uses conditionals. Its valid because it could happen Cindy's car could break down and she'll have to bike to work. Yet, there are other possibilities as well. Such as Cindy wanted to save money so she bikes rather than driving to work. Or she might want to keep her carbon footprint at a minimum so she bikes instead. Or rather Cindy's sister took her car so Cindy's didn't have the car. So all those scenario did not involve Cindy's car being broken. Thanks to chapter 6 I realize that there could be more than one reason why the person is doing what they're doing. Meaning you can't always believe what your friend says about that person. You would have to ask the person directly. Even then that person might be lying. Still, after reading that section I have learn to keep an open mind towards whatever people says because there are always another possibilities. The second thing I have learned from chapter 6 is that when people exaggerated circumstances its called a slippery slope argument. I am not new to this type of argument because I have a mom that tends to exaggerate many life scenarios to scare me. But it was good to know the name for that type of argument. I'm pretty sure we all have parents that exaggerate some parts of a life scenario so you wouldn't make mistakes. For example, when I started going out with boys in ninth grade. I remember my mom sat me down and told me that if I started dating boys at this age I would end up failing all my classes because I wouldn't focus on my school work. Also she adds I would then drop out of high school and end up pregnant and be homeless on the streets. Boy, that was a big slippery slope argument. Actually, it makes me laugh thinking about it now because when I was in ninth grade I actually believed her. But its all good my mom was just trying to protect me. :]
Alright, those are the two things I have learned from chapter 6. Thank you for reading!
Ellacomm,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed your post about what you learned from Epstein's Chapter 6. The slippery slope piece I found hilarious. In fact, my mom is also guilty of similar slippery slope arguments such as, "Kevin if you and your brother don't stop fighting you're going to end up with a horrible relationship for the rest of your lives...you only have one brother, treat him with respect."
I consider this a slippery slope argument based off of the previous chapters teachings to base your judgement off of personal experience. So, as a matter a fact, I did not stop fighting with my brother until he moved out of the house and went to Sonoma State. Now, we have a great relationship and talk all the time. I came to the conclusion that "boys will be boys" based on my personal experience and all I've heard around me about siblings who fight.