3). Pick one concept from throughout the semester that you feel can use further discussion.
I feel the concept of Causal claims should be further explained. The reason is that this concept was very hard for my to comprehend I know it relates to cause and effect. Which again was very difficult for me to comprehend because some examples makes it very confusing to understand which was the cause and which led to this particular effect. I feel there should be more examples and maybe a clearer explanation. Additionally, when I do a Google search regarding Causal claims the search engine claimed that I spelled the word incorrectly. However, there were a few definitions and examples regarding causal claims. But I wish there was a clearer explanation. Or maybe steps in attempting to find the true cause which led to the effect. Also the reverse cause and effect was another of the complex topic relating to cause and effect for me. Probably, if we use video clips could have further my understanding of the concepts that were difficult for me. Thank you! :)
Monday, December 5, 2011
Discussion Questions: Week Thirteen
2). What was your favorite thing about the class? What was your least favorite thing about the class? How can this class be improved? Again, be specific.
My favorite thing about this class was even though there was tons of reading it was not complex reading so it made this class rather tolerable since there isn't a professor lecturing means more reading on your own. Another favorite thing about this class was it was actually very informative and I had acquired a vast new range of vocabulary. My least favorite thing about this class is how the start day is at Sunday rather than Monday. I know we begin our days on Sunday but class tends to start my Monday so sometimes I would forget to post a discussion question due to the 12 hour rule. I wish the class started its day on Monday rather than Sunday so it will be the same as the student's schedule without the student having to mentally set up a different schedule. That is mainly my only dislike regarding this class which is the beginning and ending time. Thank you! :)
My favorite thing about this class was even though there was tons of reading it was not complex reading so it made this class rather tolerable since there isn't a professor lecturing means more reading on your own. Another favorite thing about this class was it was actually very informative and I had acquired a vast new range of vocabulary. My least favorite thing about this class is how the start day is at Sunday rather than Monday. I know we begin our days on Sunday but class tends to start my Monday so sometimes I would forget to post a discussion question due to the 12 hour rule. I wish the class started its day on Monday rather than Sunday so it will be the same as the student's schedule without the student having to mentally set up a different schedule. That is mainly my only dislike regarding this class which is the beginning and ending time. Thank you! :)
Discussion Questions: Week Thirteen
What have you learned in this class over the course of the semester? Be specific.
I have acquired multiple new concepts from communication 41 critical thinking class. The first new concept that I have learned was the multiple differences in concealed claims. I never knew there were so many different concealed claims. For instance, ridicule which is a claim making up false dilemmas to lower the credibility of the other party. Also this communication class has widen my overall vocabulary. This communication class has given me terms so I am able analyze the claims people make around me. Additionally, this class as reinforced group work for me. I had stop participating in group work since high school so it was unusual for to work in groups again. But I realize the group projects can be based in real life situation where we might we have jobs that require group work and this class has further my understanding of group situations and working with others. The third concept I have learned from this communication class was how an fully online class functions. This class was my first fully online class without attending classroom and it was a very interesting experience. In the near future if I had a choice to do an online class I would definitely do it again. As a matter of fact, I will be taking another fully online class during the winter. Although I did not discuss the other concepts that I had learned from this semester of communication class I had definitely grasp a wide range of knowledge.
Thank you! :)
I have acquired multiple new concepts from communication 41 critical thinking class. The first new concept that I have learned was the multiple differences in concealed claims. I never knew there were so many different concealed claims. For instance, ridicule which is a claim making up false dilemmas to lower the credibility of the other party. Also this communication class has widen my overall vocabulary. This communication class has given me terms so I am able analyze the claims people make around me. Additionally, this class as reinforced group work for me. I had stop participating in group work since high school so it was unusual for to work in groups again. But I realize the group projects can be based in real life situation where we might we have jobs that require group work and this class has further my understanding of group situations and working with others. The third concept I have learned from this communication class was how an fully online class functions. This class was my first fully online class without attending classroom and it was a very interesting experience. In the near future if I had a choice to do an online class I would definitely do it again. As a matter of fact, I will be taking another fully online class during the winter. Although I did not discuss the other concepts that I had learned from this semester of communication class I had definitely grasp a wide range of knowledge.
Thank you! :)
Friday, November 18, 2011
Discussion Questions: Week Eleven
3). Pick one concept from the assigned reading (chapter 15), that we have not already discussed, that you found useful or interesting and discuss it.
I found the two mistakes in evaluating cause and effect very interesting and useful. The reason is that the first mistake people make is reversing cause and effect. The example they gave shows a clear misunderstanding. For instance, tom believed that a certain group told lies and made the people fight against deforestation but unfortunately he is wrong. The reason why they entered that group was because they already believe that deforestation was wrong. The second mistake is when someone look too hard for a cause. That mistake reminds me of my mom. The textbook states that the reason why dreams come true at times is due to large number and probability. Since I'm planning to be an applied mathematics major I agree with the text that math could find ways to calculate the possibility for dreams to come true. Anyways, my mom tend to believe dreams for tell the future. So that would an example of looking too hard to find the cause of the effect which will be the dream.
Alright thank you for reading! Last post! WOOT! :]
I found the two mistakes in evaluating cause and effect very interesting and useful. The reason is that the first mistake people make is reversing cause and effect. The example they gave shows a clear misunderstanding. For instance, tom believed that a certain group told lies and made the people fight against deforestation but unfortunately he is wrong. The reason why they entered that group was because they already believe that deforestation was wrong. The second mistake is when someone look too hard for a cause. That mistake reminds me of my mom. The textbook states that the reason why dreams come true at times is due to large number and probability. Since I'm planning to be an applied mathematics major I agree with the text that math could find ways to calculate the possibility for dreams to come true. Anyways, my mom tend to believe dreams for tell the future. So that would an example of looking too hard to find the cause of the effect which will be the dream.
Alright thank you for reading! Last post! WOOT! :]
Discussion Questions: Week Eleven
2). What was useful about the Mission Critical website?
I found the usefulness of the website was that the website provided all the communication 41 critical thinking ideas that we have studied prior to this website. Also the website consisted very good definitions of the content that we have read in the Epstein book. Additionally the definition from the website was more precise and understandable also it was shorter read when compared to the Epstein textbook. Furthermore, the website has exercises which further help me understand the concept that was being discussed. I also really liked how the website explained why a certain answer would be incorrect while the book does not state if the answer was correct or give an explanation. Also the website is well organized and simple to understand. For example, I really enjoy reading their definition of Causal Argument. The website gave a short and sweet explanation also exercises that helped me further understand the concept.
Thank you!
I found the usefulness of the website was that the website provided all the communication 41 critical thinking ideas that we have studied prior to this website. Also the website consisted very good definitions of the content that we have read in the Epstein book. Additionally the definition from the website was more precise and understandable also it was shorter read when compared to the Epstein textbook. Furthermore, the website has exercises which further help me understand the concept that was being discussed. I also really liked how the website explained why a certain answer would be incorrect while the book does not state if the answer was correct or give an explanation. Also the website is well organized and simple to understand. For example, I really enjoy reading their definition of Causal Argument. The website gave a short and sweet explanation also exercises that helped me further understand the concept.
Thank you!
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Discussion Questions: Week Eleven
1). What was useful about the Cause and Effect website reading and exercises?
The Cause and Effect website helped me further understand what Cause and Effect really was. Based on the reading from the Epstein textbook I knew basic information regarding Cause and Effect. Yet, the website discusses Causal Arguments which was very confusing at first for me. Also the website links Causal Arguments as Cause and Effect arguments. The exercises they presented was quite helpful in explaining and testing my knowledge of the concept. Additionally, when you click the wrong answer on the question the website would provide you with explanation of the reason why the answer you clicked was incorrect. Also I really liked how they presented a cause and effect within a cause and effect. They describe one possible way for the accident to occur. Then they twisted the idea and gave another perspective on who was to blame and why that accident occur. The book was helpful in explaining the Cause and Effect concept but it was too long. I mean why would anyone want to read more when they could read less and still get the same concepts and ideas from their reading.
Thank you!
The Cause and Effect website helped me further understand what Cause and Effect really was. Based on the reading from the Epstein textbook I knew basic information regarding Cause and Effect. Yet, the website discusses Causal Arguments which was very confusing at first for me. Also the website links Causal Arguments as Cause and Effect arguments. The exercises they presented was quite helpful in explaining and testing my knowledge of the concept. Additionally, when you click the wrong answer on the question the website would provide you with explanation of the reason why the answer you clicked was incorrect. Also I really liked how they presented a cause and effect within a cause and effect. They describe one possible way for the accident to occur. Then they twisted the idea and gave another perspective on who was to blame and why that accident occur. The book was helpful in explaining the Cause and Effect concept but it was too long. I mean why would anyone want to read more when they could read less and still get the same concepts and ideas from their reading.
Thank you!
Friday, November 11, 2011
Discussion Questions: Week Ten
3). Pick one concept or idea from the assigned reading, that we have not already discussed, that you found useful or interesting, and discuss it.
Analogies is defined as a comparison between two things in order to highlight the similarities and in hopes draw the same conclusion.
For example: If Linda was going to buy a $20,000 used car. She should just buy a brand new car for $20,000 with no mileage.
Analyse: This is an argument where someone is trying to persuade Linda in buying a new car rather than a used car. The person states that since Linda was planning to spend $20,000 on a used car with mileage and there are uncertainty of how long the car might last before it breaks down. Linda should just purchase brand new car for $20,000 where there wasn't a previous owner. This is a good argument yet, it needs more details and explanation to fully agree with the person that's stating that Linda should buy a new car. For instance, we need to know what car Linda was planning to buy used and actually how many miles there were. Linda's dream car might be a BMW. Yet, the $20,000 can't get her the latest model. However, she loves those cars so she settles for a used one. From my personal knowledge you could purchase BMW '04 to '06 model with relatively low mileage for $20,000 and they are well taken care of by their previous owners. So in order for us to fully justified if Linda should spend her $20,000 on a new car or an old car we need more detail.
Thank you! :]
Analogies is defined as a comparison between two things in order to highlight the similarities and in hopes draw the same conclusion.
For example: If Linda was going to buy a $20,000 used car. She should just buy a brand new car for $20,000 with no mileage.
Analyse: This is an argument where someone is trying to persuade Linda in buying a new car rather than a used car. The person states that since Linda was planning to spend $20,000 on a used car with mileage and there are uncertainty of how long the car might last before it breaks down. Linda should just purchase brand new car for $20,000 where there wasn't a previous owner. This is a good argument yet, it needs more details and explanation to fully agree with the person that's stating that Linda should buy a new car. For instance, we need to know what car Linda was planning to buy used and actually how many miles there were. Linda's dream car might be a BMW. Yet, the $20,000 can't get her the latest model. However, she loves those cars so she settles for a used one. From my personal knowledge you could purchase BMW '04 to '06 model with relatively low mileage for $20,000 and they are well taken care of by their previous owners. So in order for us to fully justified if Linda should spend her $20,000 on a new car or an old car we need more detail.
Thank you! :]
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Discussion Questions: Week Ten
2). Sometimes when something is difficult to understand, it becomes a bit clearer when we try to explain it to someone else. Which type of reasoning was most difficult to understand? Please do some additional internet research on that specific type of reasoning and discuss what you learned.
I found causal reasoning quiet hard to comprehend. The reason was that the definition did not provide clarity on my part. I had to do additional research from the Google search engine in order to finally undertstand that causal reasoning was actually reasoning from cause and effect. Through most of my searches of the term "causal reasoning" it Google kept asking me if I was searching for "Casual reasoning." At first I thought I misspelled it so I click on the "Casual Reasoning" but that did not bring up any links that explain what was "casual reasoning" more like it did not exist. So I double checked, and search the correct terms. The cause and effect of an argument is "causal reasoning."
For example: From the beginning of summer til the end, I worked a total of 40 hours every week. So by the end of summer I had enough money saved up to pay for my classes, books, and parking permit.
So in that example, cause I worked 40 hours every week of summer vacation. The effect of that was I was able to pay for classes, books, and a parking permit for SJSU.
Thanks for reading! :D
I found causal reasoning quiet hard to comprehend. The reason was that the definition did not provide clarity on my part. I had to do additional research from the Google search engine in order to finally undertstand that causal reasoning was actually reasoning from cause and effect. Through most of my searches of the term "causal reasoning" it Google kept asking me if I was searching for "Casual reasoning." At first I thought I misspelled it so I click on the "Casual Reasoning" but that did not bring up any links that explain what was "casual reasoning" more like it did not exist. So I double checked, and search the correct terms. The cause and effect of an argument is "causal reasoning."
For example: From the beginning of summer til the end, I worked a total of 40 hours every week. So by the end of summer I had enough money saved up to pay for my classes, books, and parking permit.
So in that example, cause I worked 40 hours every week of summer vacation. The effect of that was I was able to pay for classes, books, and a parking permit for SJSU.
Thanks for reading! :D
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Discussion Questions: Week Ten
1). Read through the different types of reasoning posted to the instructors blog. Give an example of each type of reasoning outlined on the instructors blog. The example should be something the folks in class can relate to, so try to use real world examples.
1. Reasoning by Analogy - we have to reason or provide evidence with the use of comparison of the two things while presenting their similarities and differences.
=> For example: Is an apple more like a pear or a watermelon?
Apple vs Pear vs Watermelon
---------------------------------------------------------------
Fruit Yes Yes Yes
------------------------------------------------------------
Seeds Yes Yes Yes
-----------------------------------------------------------
Shape Round Oval/Round Oval
----------------------------------------------------------
Skin edible Yes Yes No
-----------------------------------------------------------
Color Red, Green Yellow, Green Green
-----------------------------------------------------------
As you can see from my table above ^ that I have made a comparison between the three fruits and attempted to answer the question of which fruit comes closes to an apple. Well as you could see the pear comes the closest to an apple since pear has 5 points relating to the apple and the watermelon has 3 points relating to the apple. In conclusion, the apple is more like a pear than the watermelon.
2. Sign Reasoning - when a sign or certain image appears and a person attempts to reason regarding the sign.
=> For example:
For instance, this picture of a rainbow I retrieved from National Geographic. When people see a rainbow its logic to reason that before that rainbow was there there was rain. The reason is from personal experience we all know after a rainstorm a rainbow will appear in the sky.
3. Causal Reasoning - Reasoning with cause and effect
=> For example: Since I did not attend class for 2 weeks straight. I was unaware that a paper was due the day I decided to attend class so in the end I got an F for that assignment. The cause was that I did not attend class for two weeks straight the effect of me not attending class is getting an F on my paper because I was not aware that it was due the day I decided to come to class.
4. Reasoning by Criteria - defining reasons why a certain judgement is placed upon or evaluating
=> For example: For my speech class, my professor will always give us a list of criteria we have to accomplish if we want an A in a certain speech. For instance one of the criteria will be speak loud and clear to the audience, make eye contact, have constructed a genuine knowledge of the topic being discussed, speak with passion when delivering the message and so forth. That will be a criteria of the things I must do if I want an A on that speech.
5. Reasoning by Example - giving examples in an argument
=> For example: You should drink more water. I heard from doctors that if you want to look more youthful and reliant water is the key.
6. Inductive - premises provides reasons to make the conclusion true; from specific to generalization
=> For example: Sarah goes to work at the tutoring center for 2 years. Tomorrow Sarah will work at the tutoring center.
This is an inductive argument because since Sarah has been working at the tutoring center for two years already there's no way she will not go to work tomorrow at the tutoring center unless the tutoring center was closed down. Also it starts off as specific that she has been working there for two years then it goes to being general that tomorrow she will work there.
7. Deductive - premises provides reasons to make the conclusion true; from general to specific
=> For example: Biology the study of life. The main topics in a basic biology class are evolution, homeostasis, energy, continuity, development, and ecology.
This example of deductive reasoning because its more general in the beginning regarding biology which is a broad topic. Then its more specific of biology is discussed in the argument.
1. Reasoning by Analogy - we have to reason or provide evidence with the use of comparison of the two things while presenting their similarities and differences.
=> For example: Is an apple more like a pear or a watermelon?
Apple vs Pear vs Watermelon
---------------------------------------------------------------
Fruit Yes Yes Yes
------------------------------------------------------------
Seeds Yes Yes Yes
-----------------------------------------------------------
Shape Round Oval/Round Oval
----------------------------------------------------------
Skin edible Yes Yes No
-----------------------------------------------------------
Color Red, Green Yellow, Green Green
-----------------------------------------------------------
As you can see from my table above ^ that I have made a comparison between the three fruits and attempted to answer the question of which fruit comes closes to an apple. Well as you could see the pear comes the closest to an apple since pear has 5 points relating to the apple and the watermelon has 3 points relating to the apple. In conclusion, the apple is more like a pear than the watermelon.
2. Sign Reasoning - when a sign or certain image appears and a person attempts to reason regarding the sign.
=> For example:
For instance, this picture of a rainbow I retrieved from National Geographic. When people see a rainbow its logic to reason that before that rainbow was there there was rain. The reason is from personal experience we all know after a rainstorm a rainbow will appear in the sky.
3. Causal Reasoning - Reasoning with cause and effect
=> For example: Since I did not attend class for 2 weeks straight. I was unaware that a paper was due the day I decided to attend class so in the end I got an F for that assignment. The cause was that I did not attend class for two weeks straight the effect of me not attending class is getting an F on my paper because I was not aware that it was due the day I decided to come to class.
4. Reasoning by Criteria - defining reasons why a certain judgement is placed upon or evaluating
=> For example: For my speech class, my professor will always give us a list of criteria we have to accomplish if we want an A in a certain speech. For instance one of the criteria will be speak loud and clear to the audience, make eye contact, have constructed a genuine knowledge of the topic being discussed, speak with passion when delivering the message and so forth. That will be a criteria of the things I must do if I want an A on that speech.
5. Reasoning by Example - giving examples in an argument
=> For example: You should drink more water. I heard from doctors that if you want to look more youthful and reliant water is the key.
6. Inductive - premises provides reasons to make the conclusion true; from specific to generalization
=> For example: Sarah goes to work at the tutoring center for 2 years. Tomorrow Sarah will work at the tutoring center.
This is an inductive argument because since Sarah has been working at the tutoring center for two years already there's no way she will not go to work tomorrow at the tutoring center unless the tutoring center was closed down. Also it starts off as specific that she has been working there for two years then it goes to being general that tomorrow she will work there.
7. Deductive - premises provides reasons to make the conclusion true; from general to specific
=> For example: Biology the study of life. The main topics in a basic biology class are evolution, homeostasis, energy, continuity, development, and ecology.
Saturday, November 5, 2011
Discussion Questions: Week Nine
3). Pick one concept from the assigned reading this week, not already discussed, that you found useful or interesting and discuss it.
I will be discussing appeal to pity. Appeal to pity is define when a person uses an audience's feelings of guilt or when an audience feels sorry for the argument that being presented. For example, I work at a tutoring center. I tutor kids from 4 years old to probably 7 years old on their reading and comprehension. I remember this little girl she was probably 6 years old. Whenever she comes to my table to do her classwork she always take twenty minutes to finish the 8 pages. She on this particular day her classwork consist of reading a fairy tale. The center I work at whenever there is a story classwork assigned to the kids they want the kids to copy one sentence per page from the story. On that day she asked me if she could just read it instead of writing on every page. I automatically said no. Then she adds but my mom is sick so I have to do it fast so we could go home. I felt sorry for her so I allowed her to read the story only. Then the next day she comes she says the same story again. I thought about it and then I left her go. After the weekends was only and I went to the tutoring center to work. The little girl came again this time she says the same excuse again hoping that I would let her leave early. This time I went to talk to her mom and realized she has been lying that her was sick so she could go home. She unknowingly was using appeal to pity. Her my mom was sick and I felt sorry that she had to be here. So I allowed her daughter to leave early so her mom could go home and rest. But little did I know the little girl was just lazy and did not want to fully complete her work.
LAST POST! :] thanks for reading! :]
I will be discussing appeal to pity. Appeal to pity is define when a person uses an audience's feelings of guilt or when an audience feels sorry for the argument that being presented. For example, I work at a tutoring center. I tutor kids from 4 years old to probably 7 years old on their reading and comprehension. I remember this little girl she was probably 6 years old. Whenever she comes to my table to do her classwork she always take twenty minutes to finish the 8 pages. She on this particular day her classwork consist of reading a fairy tale. The center I work at whenever there is a story classwork assigned to the kids they want the kids to copy one sentence per page from the story. On that day she asked me if she could just read it instead of writing on every page. I automatically said no. Then she adds but my mom is sick so I have to do it fast so we could go home. I felt sorry for her so I allowed her to read the story only. Then the next day she comes she says the same story again. I thought about it and then I left her go. After the weekends was only and I went to the tutoring center to work. The little girl came again this time she says the same excuse again hoping that I would let her leave early. This time I went to talk to her mom and realized she has been lying that her was sick so she could go home. She unknowingly was using appeal to pity. Her my mom was sick and I felt sorry that she had to be here. So I allowed her daughter to leave early so her mom could go home and rest. But little did I know the little girl was just lazy and did not want to fully complete her work.
LAST POST! :] thanks for reading! :]
Friday, November 4, 2011
Discussion Questions: Week Nine
2). Pertaining to page 195, complete objective 1, 2, 3, 6 OR 7.
Apple Polishing, is define as an appeal to flattery or when a use of excessive compliment to win over the audience. For my example I would like to present an advertisement from Loreal Cosmetics:
[Link of the image : http://www.celebrityendorsementads.com/celebrity-endorsements/celebrities/eva-longoria/images/eva-longoria-loreal-cosmo-11-2010.jpg]
The advertisement I chose to present is from Loreal's mascara collection. The mascara advertisement presents the example of apple polish. The reason is that the advertisement indirectly compliments the audience. For instance, it states to the audience that once the audience uses the mascara her eyelashes can too be as long and beautiful as Eva Longoria who is featured in this advertisement. Additionally, it tells the audience if you ever wonder how Eva's eyelashes are so flawless and beautiful there is your answer. The celebrity endorsement draws vast attention to the advertisement because many people know who that person is. So the celebrity endorses an item it tends to get more attention. I believe this advertisement presents a good argument. There is definitely apple polishing in the ad it self. Additionally, a well known celebrity endorse the item which again attracts more audiences towards the advertisement.
Alright, thank you for reading. Good night! :]
Apple Polishing, is define as an appeal to flattery or when a use of excessive compliment to win over the audience. For my example I would like to present an advertisement from Loreal Cosmetics:
[Link of the image : http://www.celebrityendorsementads.com/celebrity-endorsements/celebrities/eva-longoria/images/eva-longoria-loreal-cosmo-11-2010.jpg]
The advertisement I chose to present is from Loreal's mascara collection. The mascara advertisement presents the example of apple polish. The reason is that the advertisement indirectly compliments the audience. For instance, it states to the audience that once the audience uses the mascara her eyelashes can too be as long and beautiful as Eva Longoria who is featured in this advertisement. Additionally, it tells the audience if you ever wonder how Eva's eyelashes are so flawless and beautiful there is your answer. The celebrity endorsement draws vast attention to the advertisement because many people know who that person is. So the celebrity endorses an item it tends to get more attention. I believe this advertisement presents a good argument. There is definitely apple polishing in the ad it self. Additionally, a well known celebrity endorse the item which again attracts more audiences towards the advertisement.
Alright, thank you for reading. Good night! :]
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Discussion Questions: Week Nine
Discuss the idea of Appeal to Emotion. There are different aspects of Appeal to Emotion, which type of Appeal to Emotion strikes you, and why?
The idea of appeal to emotion is when an argument is presented to the audience and it will try or attempt to persuade or manipulate the way the audiences feelings towards that argument. There are varies ways the argument can be presented so the audience will feel a certain way. I found the appeal of fear very striking. The reason is that every human being have fears. Most of us have the same fears also. For instance, I believe a majority of us fear the unknown, death, and possibly as a college student fear of failing a class. I know I am whenever I choose a certain class to take especially since soon I will have to take upper division classes which will be more difficult than the classes I have now. I fear I might not pass it, and thus not graduate. Anyways, another example is when advertisers try to the manipulate people to feel fear. For instance, I saw a commercial on television that was regarding antidepressant pills. The commercial showed a little girl talking about her mom and how she used to always play with her and how they both always laughed and had fun. After the little girl says now you just sit there staring at the television. I want my mommy back. That is an appeal to fear it showed the audience that if they didn't take their type of antidepressant the person you love can become like the mommy in the commercial.
Alright, I hope that helps! :] Thank you for reading everyone! Good night! :]
The idea of appeal to emotion is when an argument is presented to the audience and it will try or attempt to persuade or manipulate the way the audiences feelings towards that argument. There are varies ways the argument can be presented so the audience will feel a certain way. I found the appeal of fear very striking. The reason is that every human being have fears. Most of us have the same fears also. For instance, I believe a majority of us fear the unknown, death, and possibly as a college student fear of failing a class. I know I am whenever I choose a certain class to take especially since soon I will have to take upper division classes which will be more difficult than the classes I have now. I fear I might not pass it, and thus not graduate. Anyways, another example is when advertisers try to the manipulate people to feel fear. For instance, I saw a commercial on television that was regarding antidepressant pills. The commercial showed a little girl talking about her mom and how she used to always play with her and how they both always laughed and had fun. After the little girl says now you just sit there staring at the television. I want my mommy back. That is an appeal to fear it showed the audience that if they didn't take their type of antidepressant the person you love can become like the mommy in the commercial.
Alright, I hope that helps! :] Thank you for reading everyone! Good night! :]
Friday, October 21, 2011
Discussion Questions: Week Eight
2). Discuss the usefulness of the first or second major course assignment. Use specific examples.
The first assignment's, which was Critical Thinking in News and Politics, the usefulness of the first assignment to me was how as a group we had to apply most of the concepts we had learned before hand from the book. Reading the Epstein book was helpful because it gave explicit definitions and numerous examples. Yet, when you had to read an article and apply it to the article then write a paper on it. It becomes relatively hard to accomplish. At first, I was confused and odd by all the things as a group we were expected to locate from a simple political article. I thought it was nearly impossible. However, I reviewed the book and then analyzed the article and realize there were indeed connections. This project even though at first seem impossible as I reviewed the Epstein book it began to become an easier task. Another usefulness of the first assignment was I got an opportunity to work with my group mates and met new people along the way. Overall, that was what I found useful from the first major course assignment.
Thank you everyone! :] Have a great night!
The first assignment's, which was Critical Thinking in News and Politics, the usefulness of the first assignment to me was how as a group we had to apply most of the concepts we had learned before hand from the book. Reading the Epstein book was helpful because it gave explicit definitions and numerous examples. Yet, when you had to read an article and apply it to the article then write a paper on it. It becomes relatively hard to accomplish. At first, I was confused and odd by all the things as a group we were expected to locate from a simple political article. I thought it was nearly impossible. However, I reviewed the book and then analyzed the article and realize there were indeed connections. This project even though at first seem impossible as I reviewed the Epstein book it began to become an easier task. Another usefulness of the first assignment was I got an opportunity to work with my group mates and met new people along the way. Overall, that was what I found useful from the first major course assignment.
Thank you everyone! :] Have a great night!
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Discussion Questions: Week Eight
1). Discuss one concept in Chapter 8 that you found useful. Please explain the concept and give a personal example or personal story.
For this discussion question I will be discussing "General Claims and Their Contradictories." This concept displays words such as "All", "Some", "No", and "Only" and then it states its contradictories. Additionally, I have learned that using "All", "Some", and "Only" gives a valid argument but the argument is weak. For example, I remember I was having a conversation with my coworker at work and we were talking about cuisines from different countries. My coworker and I stumbled upon a discussion about Chinese food which led to Panda Express. I told him that "All" Asians know that Panda Express is not real Chinese food. The claim I was making was that "All Asians" know yet is it a true claim. The "All" I used made the claim weak even though the claim is valid its a weak claim. I could have used another term like "Most" because it doesn't have a guarantee attached to it that every Asian person suppose to know that Panda Express is not real Chinese food instead it states most Asian knows.
Alright, thank you for reading everyone! :D
For this discussion question I will be discussing "General Claims and Their Contradictories." This concept displays words such as "All", "Some", "No", and "Only" and then it states its contradictories. Additionally, I have learned that using "All", "Some", and "Only" gives a valid argument but the argument is weak. For example, I remember I was having a conversation with my coworker at work and we were talking about cuisines from different countries. My coworker and I stumbled upon a discussion about Chinese food which led to Panda Express. I told him that "All" Asians know that Panda Express is not real Chinese food. The claim I was making was that "All Asians" know yet is it a true claim. The "All" I used made the claim weak even though the claim is valid its a weak claim. I could have used another term like "Most" because it doesn't have a guarantee attached to it that every Asian person suppose to know that Panda Express is not real Chinese food instead it states most Asian knows.
Alright, thank you for reading everyone! :D
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Discussion Questions: Week Six
3). Pick one concept from either text, not already discussed, that you found useful or interesting and discuss it. Use either Chapter 6 or Chapter 7.
I will be discussing from chapter 6 "contradictory of a claim" for example,
the claim: Heather's cat slept on top of my car.
contradictory: Heather's cat did not sleep on top of my car.
Analysis: The two claims on the top show clear contradictory. Contradictory claims are claims that is opposite of what the spoken claim is. So like the example the claim was "...cat slept on my car.." the contradictory claim will include not because its opposite. stating, "...cat did not sleep on my car.."
Now, we'll be discussing "contradictory of an 'or' claim" for example,
the claim: Sarah will put on her sweater, or Sarah won't go out tonight.
contradictory: Sarah will not put on her sweater, and Sarah will go out tonight.
Analysis: In order to make an "or" claim to be contradictory we have to put an "not" in the first part of the statement then replace "or" with "and" then change the "not" in the second part of the statement to a can type of statement.
Finally, "contradictory of an and claim" for example,
claim: Fred could eat 12 hot dogs in five minutes, but Mindy couldn't.
contradictory: Fred can't eat 12 hot dogs in five minutes, or Mindy can eat 12 hot dogs in five minutes.
Analysis: For these types of claims we have to change the "and" type of claims to "or" types of claims. Also since its a contradictory type of claim there must be a "not" in the beginning. Additionally, once we change the wording of the claim it changes the overall meaning of the sentence. But that is overall how you change from single claims to compound claims.
Alright, thank you everyone for reading! :]
I will be discussing from chapter 6 "contradictory of a claim" for example,
the claim: Heather's cat slept on top of my car.
contradictory: Heather's cat did not sleep on top of my car.
Analysis: The two claims on the top show clear contradictory. Contradictory claims are claims that is opposite of what the spoken claim is. So like the example the claim was "...cat slept on my car.." the contradictory claim will include not because its opposite. stating, "...cat did not sleep on my car.."
Now, we'll be discussing "contradictory of an 'or' claim" for example,
the claim: Sarah will put on her sweater, or Sarah won't go out tonight.
contradictory: Sarah will not put on her sweater, and Sarah will go out tonight.
Analysis: In order to make an "or" claim to be contradictory we have to put an "not" in the first part of the statement then replace "or" with "and" then change the "not" in the second part of the statement to a can type of statement.
Finally, "contradictory of an and claim" for example,
claim: Fred could eat 12 hot dogs in five minutes, but Mindy couldn't.
contradictory: Fred can't eat 12 hot dogs in five minutes, or Mindy can eat 12 hot dogs in five minutes.
Analysis: For these types of claims we have to change the "and" type of claims to "or" types of claims. Also since its a contradictory type of claim there must be a "not" in the beginning. Additionally, once we change the wording of the claim it changes the overall meaning of the sentence. But that is overall how you change from single claims to compound claims.
Alright, thank you everyone for reading! :]
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Discussion Questions: Week Six
2). Please discuss, in detail, what you learned from reading Chapter 7. Discuss at least 2 things you learned.
Chapter 7 titled, "Counter Argument" by Epstien. This chapter is mainly about raising counter arguments towards what the person is saying. For the refuting an argument directly portion of the reading. In order to refute it directly, you should show at least one of the premises is dubious, show that the argument is either weak or invalid, and lastly show that the final conclusion is false.
For example,
Dick: Fred you shouldn't eat any type of food pass 9PM. Because eating pass 9PM can lead to weight gain. So if you don't eat anything after 9PM then you'll lose weight. Also If you gain weight how would you ever get a girlfriend.
How would Fred refute this argument? Well, Fred can counter attack the premises by making it dubious. So Fred could state all the calories that he consumed before 9PM. For example, what if Fred for breakfast ate five donuts, two bagels topped with bacon, egg, and tons of cheese. Then lunch, Fred ate fried chicken with gravy, four slices of pizza, and five McDonald quarter pounder hamburgers. Lastly, for dinner two hours before 9PM Fred ate a 72 OZ steak. Okay, that was an exaggeration of how much a person could eat but that argument does counter attack Dick's argument. So even though Fred does not eat anything after 9PM his overall calorie count would be off the chart and he still will be gaining weight.
The second topic of discussion is to refute indirectly. This refute can be seen as harder than refuting directly because indirect refutes means when you read an argument you can't point out anything is wrong with it directly.
For example, Jim is a very opinionated person. Once he hears something he does not like he will immediately decide it not worth listening to and argue with anyone that opposes his opinion.
To indirectly argue the example we could say, Jim has a hard time being open minded and seeing both sides. He tends to not accept other's opinion because he likes to stick with what he knows. This indirect comment hints that Jim is opinionated but it presents it in a lighter manner and less direct way.
Thanks for reading everyone! :]
Chapter 7 titled, "Counter Argument" by Epstien. This chapter is mainly about raising counter arguments towards what the person is saying. For the refuting an argument directly portion of the reading. In order to refute it directly, you should show at least one of the premises is dubious, show that the argument is either weak or invalid, and lastly show that the final conclusion is false.
For example,
Dick: Fred you shouldn't eat any type of food pass 9PM. Because eating pass 9PM can lead to weight gain. So if you don't eat anything after 9PM then you'll lose weight. Also If you gain weight how would you ever get a girlfriend.
How would Fred refute this argument? Well, Fred can counter attack the premises by making it dubious. So Fred could state all the calories that he consumed before 9PM. For example, what if Fred for breakfast ate five donuts, two bagels topped with bacon, egg, and tons of cheese. Then lunch, Fred ate fried chicken with gravy, four slices of pizza, and five McDonald quarter pounder hamburgers. Lastly, for dinner two hours before 9PM Fred ate a 72 OZ steak. Okay, that was an exaggeration of how much a person could eat but that argument does counter attack Dick's argument. So even though Fred does not eat anything after 9PM his overall calorie count would be off the chart and he still will be gaining weight.
The second topic of discussion is to refute indirectly. This refute can be seen as harder than refuting directly because indirect refutes means when you read an argument you can't point out anything is wrong with it directly.
For example, Jim is a very opinionated person. Once he hears something he does not like he will immediately decide it not worth listening to and argue with anyone that opposes his opinion.
To indirectly argue the example we could say, Jim has a hard time being open minded and seeing both sides. He tends to not accept other's opinion because he likes to stick with what he knows. This indirect comment hints that Jim is opinionated but it presents it in a lighter manner and less direct way.
Thanks for reading everyone! :]
Monday, October 3, 2011
Discussion Questions: Week Six
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!
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!
Saturday, October 1, 2011
Discussion Questions: Week Five
3). Pick one concept from the assigned reading this week, not already discussed, that you found useful or interesting and discuss it.
I will be discussing a section from the Epstein Critical Thinking book. I will be discussing mistaking the person for the claim in chapter 5. Alright, there are always times when anyone including me is guilty of this mistake. As people we tend to judge people right when we see them first. So for my example for my freshmen spring semester I took a macroeconomics class. The first day of class my professor shocked me with his accent. When he lectured the class not only was it long and boring and most importantly it was not understandable due to his heavy accent. So the first day of class I sat there dozing off. Since it was only the beginning of the course there wasn't much difficulty with the assignments he assigned so I was doing alright. But as the semester became more intense I started getting confuse regarding the homework he assigned. So finally I decided to see him during office hours. He went over the material with me slowly and ensure I understood what the question was asking and how I should approach the problem. In the end, I realize how wrong I was about the economics professor. Even though he had a heavy accent that didn't mean he didn't understand the material that he was teaching. In fact, after I realized that, that was when I started paying attention and listening. Overall, the economics class in the end wasn't so bad. I learn that sometimes you can't always judge how a person is just by first looks.
Thank you for reading! :]
I will be discussing a section from the Epstein Critical Thinking book. I will be discussing mistaking the person for the claim in chapter 5. Alright, there are always times when anyone including me is guilty of this mistake. As people we tend to judge people right when we see them first. So for my example for my freshmen spring semester I took a macroeconomics class. The first day of class my professor shocked me with his accent. When he lectured the class not only was it long and boring and most importantly it was not understandable due to his heavy accent. So the first day of class I sat there dozing off. Since it was only the beginning of the course there wasn't much difficulty with the assignments he assigned so I was doing alright. But as the semester became more intense I started getting confuse regarding the homework he assigned. So finally I decided to see him during office hours. He went over the material with me slowly and ensure I understood what the question was asking and how I should approach the problem. In the end, I realize how wrong I was about the economics professor. Even though he had a heavy accent that didn't mean he didn't understand the material that he was teaching. In fact, after I realized that, that was when I started paying attention and listening. Overall, the economics class in the end wasn't so bad. I learn that sometimes you can't always judge how a person is just by first looks.
Thank you for reading! :]
Friday, September 30, 2011
Discussion Questions: Week Five
2). Concerning Section C in Chapter 5, Advertising on the Internet. Please find a piece of advertising on the internet, provide a link on your blog, a screenshot, or include the advertisement in your post so the class can see what you are discussing. You should then relate the piece of advertising back to the concepts in Sections A & B in chapter 5 and discuss.
Alright, for this post I will be using an advertisement from one of my favorite perfumes. This advertisement is from Dolce Gabbana's famous perfume "Light Blue". This advertisement shows a beautiful female laying on a rubber boat relaxing and enjoying the waters. To relate this back to chapter 5 section A, we must first evaluate the premise. So for me, while looking at this advertisement I could say the argument the advertisers are trying to convey is that once you spray on the Dolce Gabbana's Light Blue perfume you will feel like you are relaxing in a beautiful ocean. Also once you use it you will become a super model just like the lady in this advertisement. Obviously, that is incorrect, also relating to chapter 5's section B I used my personal experience to determine if I should accept or reject the claim. From my personal experience, when I used the perfume I did not feel like I was in a boat relaxing with the ocean breeze blowing through my hair. I will admit I did feel more confident but not as confident as wearing what the lady is wearing in this advertisement. Also I really enjoy the smell but I don't think this scent relates to an "ocean scenery". The scent actually reminded me of apples and trees rather than the ocean. But it did send me to a happy place. So in the end, I would reject the claim of the advertisement that a happy place is actually in the middle of the ocean. Since I can not swim I would not say that is my happy place. I believe the advertiser should consider other people's happy places.
thank you for reading! :]
Alright, for this post I will be using an advertisement from one of my favorite perfumes. This advertisement is from Dolce Gabbana's famous perfume "Light Blue". This advertisement shows a beautiful female laying on a rubber boat relaxing and enjoying the waters. To relate this back to chapter 5 section A, we must first evaluate the premise. So for me, while looking at this advertisement I could say the argument the advertisers are trying to convey is that once you spray on the Dolce Gabbana's Light Blue perfume you will feel like you are relaxing in a beautiful ocean. Also once you use it you will become a super model just like the lady in this advertisement. Obviously, that is incorrect, also relating to chapter 5's section B I used my personal experience to determine if I should accept or reject the claim. From my personal experience, when I used the perfume I did not feel like I was in a boat relaxing with the ocean breeze blowing through my hair. I will admit I did feel more confident but not as confident as wearing what the lady is wearing in this advertisement. Also I really enjoy the smell but I don't think this scent relates to an "ocean scenery". The scent actually reminded me of apples and trees rather than the ocean. But it did send me to a happy place. So in the end, I would reject the claim of the advertisement that a happy place is actually in the middle of the ocean. Since I can not swim I would not say that is my happy place. I believe the advertiser should consider other people's happy places.
thank you for reading! :]
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Discussion Questions: Week Five
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! :]
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! :]
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Discussion Questions: Week Four
3). Pick one concept from the reading (either Epstein or the Small Group Comm book) and discuss it in detail.
I have decided to choose a reading from Small Group Communication Book by Dan O'Hair and Mary O. Wiemann. I would like to discuss the "use of communication channels." There are two different channels in companies. The first one is formal channels where communication pathways must go through different managements or departments before reaching to the bosses (if it even gets that far ). This channel of communication is seen in many companies. I remember calling AT&T about my internet bill because the bill was addressed to Jenny not Ellene. I do not know how the operator misheard my name but on the billing statement said Jenny. So I first talked to customer services of sales where the operator verify who I was with my Social Security number; since my name was incorrect. Then she asked me what I needed her help with. I told her how the billing statement was incorrect. Then she transferred me to another operator in the AT&T internet service. The operator there again had to verify who I was. After stating what I needed help with. The operator apologized about the the misunderstanding, but then she stated she couldn't help me. This was the wrong department. Again, she transferred me. Now, I believe the operator transferred me to a technician that assist in setting up new accounts for new customers. The technician assisted me with the issue and it was quickly resolved with a few questions and like magic it was done. But honestly, did it have to take nearly 45 minutes calling and being placed on hold just to get to the right department? That is a major flaw in the formal channel of communication. Its a long painful process of hoping the next person you speak to is the right person. It reminds me of a shooting game either you hit or miss.
Last post! Yay! Have a great weekend! :]
I have decided to choose a reading from Small Group Communication Book by Dan O'Hair and Mary O. Wiemann. I would like to discuss the "use of communication channels." There are two different channels in companies. The first one is formal channels where communication pathways must go through different managements or departments before reaching to the bosses (if it even gets that far ). This channel of communication is seen in many companies. I remember calling AT&T about my internet bill because the bill was addressed to Jenny not Ellene. I do not know how the operator misheard my name but on the billing statement said Jenny. So I first talked to customer services of sales where the operator verify who I was with my Social Security number; since my name was incorrect. Then she asked me what I needed her help with. I told her how the billing statement was incorrect. Then she transferred me to another operator in the AT&T internet service. The operator there again had to verify who I was. After stating what I needed help with. The operator apologized about the the misunderstanding, but then she stated she couldn't help me. This was the wrong department. Again, she transferred me. Now, I believe the operator transferred me to a technician that assist in setting up new accounts for new customers. The technician assisted me with the issue and it was quickly resolved with a few questions and like magic it was done. But honestly, did it have to take nearly 45 minutes calling and being placed on hold just to get to the right department? That is a major flaw in the formal channel of communication. Its a long painful process of hoping the next person you speak to is the right person. It reminds me of a shooting game either you hit or miss.
Last post! Yay! Have a great weekend! :]
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Discussion Questions: Week Four
2). Violating the Principle of Rational Discussion (page 202) and Content Fallacies (page 201). Pick one, explain the fallacy in your own words, then give a real world example that you have heard in the past. (You may need to do additional 'research' for the fallacy that you have chosen if the concept is not clear from the text. You can 'google' the particular fallacy you have chosen for an additional explanation).
There are numerous reasons on how an argument can contain content fallacies. I have chosen to discuss Bad Appeal to Authority. Bad appeal to authority is mainly when an argument is supported by an expert's testimony from their field of expertise. Yet, not all testimonies from the expert can always be true. The expert might have a bias opinion about a certain issue thus the counter argument will be left out of discussion. Also, bad appeal to authority, can be seen everywhere in our daily lives. If we just open our eyes and critically analysis the advertisements that surround us or what our friends' say when they recommend to us a certain eat out place. Can we trust what these people are saying?
First, as I was driving down a highway there was an advertisement that contained a smiling person wearing a white lab coat, automatically, I assumed that he was a doctor with a PhD in medicine just because he was wearing the coat. He's claiming how a small pill can help an individual lose 20 pounds in the first week. If the individual consistently takes that pill each week after the first they will lose 5 pounds. The advertisement was definitely an Appeal to Authority. The people passing by in their cars would not know if the smiling person was a real doctor or maybe he was just playing dress up. But since he had on the white lab coat we assume he's a doctor. We tend to believe doctors. That's why we take the medicines they prescribe to us when we are sick. That is also why so many advertisements contain doctors boasting products for the public.
Second, when my friends declare the best sushi joint around the bay was on the outskirts of San Francisco. Since, I haven't been to that restaurant before that automatically makes them my experts. So I would ask what food I should order when I am there and what I should not order. Yet, again that is a bad appeal to authority. What if my friends' taste preferences are different from mines. What they order maybe too spicy or too sour for me. Or what if my friends regard sushi as only California Rolls and nothing else. For me, personally, I like raw fish or sashimi on my sushi. Therefore, I would not consider that restaurant a good sushi joint if they are only good for California Rolls. That's why word of mouth is a great way to attract people to businesses such as restaurants, small eat outs, clothing stores, food markets, and etc. If your friends tells you that a restaurant is good why wouldn't you trust them. They are your friends after all.
Alright, second post of the week. Done. [:
.... Content Fallacies ....
There are numerous reasons on how an argument can contain content fallacies. I have chosen to discuss Bad Appeal to Authority. Bad appeal to authority is mainly when an argument is supported by an expert's testimony from their field of expertise. Yet, not all testimonies from the expert can always be true. The expert might have a bias opinion about a certain issue thus the counter argument will be left out of discussion. Also, bad appeal to authority, can be seen everywhere in our daily lives. If we just open our eyes and critically analysis the advertisements that surround us or what our friends' say when they recommend to us a certain eat out place. Can we trust what these people are saying?
First, as I was driving down a highway there was an advertisement that contained a smiling person wearing a white lab coat, automatically, I assumed that he was a doctor with a PhD in medicine just because he was wearing the coat. He's claiming how a small pill can help an individual lose 20 pounds in the first week. If the individual consistently takes that pill each week after the first they will lose 5 pounds. The advertisement was definitely an Appeal to Authority. The people passing by in their cars would not know if the smiling person was a real doctor or maybe he was just playing dress up. But since he had on the white lab coat we assume he's a doctor. We tend to believe doctors. That's why we take the medicines they prescribe to us when we are sick. That is also why so many advertisements contain doctors boasting products for the public.
Second, when my friends declare the best sushi joint around the bay was on the outskirts of San Francisco. Since, I haven't been to that restaurant before that automatically makes them my experts. So I would ask what food I should order when I am there and what I should not order. Yet, again that is a bad appeal to authority. What if my friends' taste preferences are different from mines. What they order maybe too spicy or too sour for me. Or what if my friends regard sushi as only California Rolls and nothing else. For me, personally, I like raw fish or sashimi on my sushi. Therefore, I would not consider that restaurant a good sushi joint if they are only good for California Rolls. That's why word of mouth is a great way to attract people to businesses such as restaurants, small eat outs, clothing stores, food markets, and etc. If your friends tells you that a restaurant is good why wouldn't you trust them. They are your friends after all.
Alright, second post of the week. Done. [:
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Discussion Questions: Week Four
1). Concerning 221 - 225 Complex Arguments for Analysis: Page 225 contains Exercises on the Structure of Arguments. Please choose one of the 5 exercises and complete the exercise in one post to your blog. After you have completed the exercise, discuss whether or not this exercise was useful.
Exercise on the Structure of Arguments:
1. My neighbor should be forced to get rid of all the cars in his yard. (1) People do not like living next door to such a mess. (2) He never drives any of them. (3) They all look old and beat up and leak oil all over the place. (4) It is bad for the neighborhood, and it will decrease property value. (5)
Argument? (Yes or No): Yes, claims 2, 3,4,5
Conclusion: My neighbor should be forced to get rid of all the cars in his yard. (1)
Additional premises needed?: Yes. The neighbor's mass collection of cars are leaking oil it should be consider not environmental friendly. (a) If the neighbor's mass collection of cars are violating environmental laws he will be forced to pay fees and fines for his consistent ignorance. (b)
Identify any subargument: Yes, claims 2,3,4 will support claim 5. Therefore claim 5 will support the conclusion claim 1.
Good argument?: Yes, its a valid argument with plausible premises. It could be however stronger with more details and added sentences.
This exercise actually made me think harder about this argument. Truthfully, I never thought of arguments in such a precise manner. So yes, this outline definitely helped me not only by organizing my thoughts in defining what an argument is but also helped me realize how complex an argument is.
Alright, thanks for reading my post! :]
Exercise on the Structure of Arguments:
1. My neighbor should be forced to get rid of all the cars in his yard. (1) People do not like living next door to such a mess. (2) He never drives any of them. (3) They all look old and beat up and leak oil all over the place. (4) It is bad for the neighborhood, and it will decrease property value. (5)
Argument? (Yes or No): Yes, claims 2, 3,4,5
Conclusion: My neighbor should be forced to get rid of all the cars in his yard. (1)
Additional premises needed?: Yes. The neighbor's mass collection of cars are leaking oil it should be consider not environmental friendly. (a) If the neighbor's mass collection of cars are violating environmental laws he will be forced to pay fees and fines for his consistent ignorance. (b)
Identify any subargument: Yes, claims 2,3,4 will support claim 5. Therefore claim 5 will support the conclusion claim 1.
Good argument?: Yes, its a valid argument with plausible premises. It could be however stronger with more details and added sentences.
This exercise actually made me think harder about this argument. Truthfully, I never thought of arguments in such a precise manner. So yes, this outline definitely helped me not only by organizing my thoughts in defining what an argument is but also helped me realize how complex an argument is.
Alright, thanks for reading my post! :]
Saturday, September 10, 2011
Discussion Questions: Week Three
3.) Pick one concept from either text, not already discussed, that you found useful or interesting and discuss it.
The concept I will be discussing is from The Essential Guide to Group Communication by Dan O'Hair and Mary O. Wiemann. The concept I found interesting is Authoritarian Leadership. The book defines Authoritarian Leadership when one person leads and makes decision for the overall group with out discussing it with any one from the group. In the end, it states how Authoritarian Leadership affects the group that is following the direction of the leader, tend to be unhappy and does not feel connected to the group. I believe the Authoritarian Leadership does not work most of the time. Mostly, these day companies want to hire people that are team oriented not ones that are always off being solo or giving commands. Companies want to present groups a situation and hopefully as a group they will eventually solve the problem. For my personal experience, I was working at a restaurant where a manager told everyone what to do without asking if they prefer that or that. There was no group discussion, of course I did not feel connected to the place or the people there. Therefore, quitting was not hard because I did not know anyone there. They were just employees nothing more.
Alright, thank you for reading my post! Last one of the week! :] YAY!
The concept I will be discussing is from The Essential Guide to Group Communication by Dan O'Hair and Mary O. Wiemann. The concept I found interesting is Authoritarian Leadership. The book defines Authoritarian Leadership when one person leads and makes decision for the overall group with out discussing it with any one from the group. In the end, it states how Authoritarian Leadership affects the group that is following the direction of the leader, tend to be unhappy and does not feel connected to the group. I believe the Authoritarian Leadership does not work most of the time. Mostly, these day companies want to hire people that are team oriented not ones that are always off being solo or giving commands. Companies want to present groups a situation and hopefully as a group they will eventually solve the problem. For my personal experience, I was working at a restaurant where a manager told everyone what to do without asking if they prefer that or that. There was no group discussion, of course I did not feel connected to the place or the people there. Therefore, quitting was not hard because I did not know anyone there. They were just employees nothing more.
Alright, thank you for reading my post! Last one of the week! :] YAY!
Friday, September 9, 2011
Discussion Questions: Week Three
2.) Discuss Strong versus Valid Arguments in detail. Give an example of each from everyday life.
Example: Roughly 70% of Americans drive cars. Sam is an American. Therefore, Sam drives a car.
To determine if the argument is either weak or strong we do not care if the premises (the first sentence) is true or not. This argument can be seen as a strong argument because roughly 70% of Americans drive cars. The 70% is in the high percentage scale so since Sam is an American; there is a high possibility that Sam drives a car. Those making this argument strong.
Strong Argument vs. Valid Argument
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Validity of an argument is based upon if a statement is true then the conclusion must be true those making an argument valid.
Example: All Yogurtland employees must wear uniform before starting their shifts. Ellene is a Yogurtland employee. Therefore Ellene must wear Yogurtland uniform before her shift starts.
This argument is valid because its true that all Yogurtland employees must wear uniform. There is no doubt about the first sentence. Since Ellene is a Yogurtland employee she would have to wear uniform before working.
This argument is valid because its true that all Yogurtland employees must wear uniform. There is no doubt about the first sentence. Since Ellene is a Yogurtland employee she would have to wear uniform before working.
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Strong argument is very different from a valid argument. Since valid argument do not need to be strong rather it just needs to be true. Example: Roughly 70% of Americans drive cars. Sam is an American. Therefore, Sam drives a car.
To determine if the argument is either weak or strong we do not care if the premises (the first sentence) is true or not. This argument can be seen as a strong argument because roughly 70% of Americans drive cars. The 70% is in the high percentage scale so since Sam is an American; there is a high possibility that Sam drives a car. Those making this argument strong.
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Discussion Questions: Week Three
Discussion Questions #1
1). Concerning part "C" in chapter 3 of the Epstein text, The Tests for an Argument to Be Good - there are three tests an argument must pass in order for the argument to be good...In addition, it is imperative that you understand the concepts contained within the 3 tests for an argument (page 42). (Perez, Comm 41).
Part "C" of Chapter 3 gives us the criteria for an Argument to Be Good. Here I will attempt to display my understanding of the criteria.
Example:
Jenny (to her desk neighbor): Sarah is late again. She has been late for class five times this week. She is not a punctual person.
Analysis: The premises of the argument is not plausible. First, each person determines "late" in different ways. So, the "late" term that is used is too vague to comprehend. Sarah might regard "late" as after the teacher takes roll. And Jenny might regard "late" as after the bell rings for class. Second, the conclusion is false, what if Sarah is five minutes before the bell rings for her other classes and just the first class she is not five minutes before the bell rings. So concluding someone is not punctual without seeking other evidence further supporting the unpunctual conclusion would make the conclusion false in this argument. Finally, after I have analyzed this argument I could happily say this argument, in fact, is not valid because there are too many holes and ambiguity in her claim.
Alright, thank you for reading my post! :]
1). Concerning part "C" in chapter 3 of the Epstein text, The Tests for an Argument to Be Good - there are three tests an argument must pass in order for the argument to be good...In addition, it is imperative that you understand the concepts contained within the 3 tests for an argument (page 42). (Perez, Comm 41).
Part "C" of Chapter 3 gives us the criteria for an Argument to Be Good. Here I will attempt to display my understanding of the criteria.
Example:
Jenny (to her desk neighbor): Sarah is late again. She has been late for class five times this week. She is not a punctual person.
Analysis: The premises of the argument is not plausible. First, each person determines "late" in different ways. So, the "late" term that is used is too vague to comprehend. Sarah might regard "late" as after the teacher takes roll. And Jenny might regard "late" as after the bell rings for class. Second, the conclusion is false, what if Sarah is five minutes before the bell rings for her other classes and just the first class she is not five minutes before the bell rings. So concluding someone is not punctual without seeking other evidence further supporting the unpunctual conclusion would make the conclusion false in this argument. Finally, after I have analyzed this argument I could happily say this argument, in fact, is not valid because there are too many holes and ambiguity in her claim.
Alright, thank you for reading my post! :]
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