Deductive Reasoning, Chapter 12

Summary:

Deductive reasoning is based on logic. It is arriving at a conclusion from one or more claims, also known as premises. Argument, reasoning, syllogism, premise, validy and sounded all interplay with each other to arrive at a conclusion. Inductive and deductive reasoning interweave with each other in and out of the argument in order to come up with a conclusion. Although premises are required being that they are claims for reasoning, syllogism is the main structure; it plays with word equations to reach true and valid conclusions.

Reflection:

Although I was able to follow this chapter, I was also really confused. I get where it's going with the idea, but it's a lot of twists and turns to take in. I think it can all be said a little simpler? That's just my own opinion. It was interesting though.

Inductive Reasoning, Chapter 11

Summary:

Inductive reasoning is the process of reasoning from evidence. You arrive at the conclusion based on the information you are given. It it not a guess, or trial and error, it is an exact conclusion reached from information at hand. The methods used are sensory observation, enumeration, analogical reasoning, pattern recognition, casual reasoning, and statistical reasoning. Inductive reasoning can also contain many fallacies which we need to pay close attention to as a critical thinker. These fallacies include: hasty generalizations, either-or fallacy, questionable statistic, inconsistencies and contradictions, loaded questions, false analogy, false cause, and slippery slope. These are all different type of strategies that one may use in an argument to pursuade you into believing it is true.

Reflection:

I found this chapter very informative. It is true that we use inductive reasoning in our everyday encounters to draw conclusions. I am however, questioning the difference between this and inferences. I know an inference is more of a guess then a reasoning, but it is very similar, especially since they both are based on some type of probability. Reading about the fallacies mentioned in this chapter opened my eyes to a lot. I realize that I, myself, am prone to falling for these fallacies when used on me. I now will keep these in mind when critically thinking about a discussion or argument, so I do not get easily swayed in one direction.

Fallacies, Chapter 10

Summary:

This chapter highlights 20 different types of fallacies, which are manipulative statements in arguments to make them seem soundly reasoned. Identifying fallacies helps us learn more about the rules for good reasoning, to avoid using them ourselves, and to not be influenced by arguments that contain them. They can manipulate through language, using word ambiguity, misleading euphemism, or prejudicial language. The use of word ambiguity leaving a key word undefined so that the reader is left to assume the meaning of it, not fully understanding the point. Misleading euphemism is creating a word that make a less acceptable idea seem unrecognizable. Prejudicial language works with strong biased words. Manipulation of emotions is another type of fallacy, working with fear, pity, false authority, bandwagon, and prejudice to persuade ones feelings in a certain direction. Another form of fallacies is the manipulation through distraction such as red herring, diverting attention to other issues; pointing to another wrong; and straw man.

Reflection:

It was interesting to learn about fallacies. It was something I have never paid any attention to before now. It is interesting how much we can be influenced by a statement or manipulated through our emotions. I think I am more manipulated through distraction... it is easier to distract me and divert my attention elsewhere then to alter my emotions towards something. I am not easily influenced for the fact that I know everyone has their own opinions which can be different or similar to my own. It is funny to see how this really applies to everyday life and makes me realize how much we all do it. I will definitely play closer attention to this now when I am faced with it in real life!

Argument, Chapter 9

Summary:

This chapter demonstrates good and poor arguments, and the skills of argument building, analysis and evaluation. An argument must be read/heard without criticism or bias in order to comprehend the material accurately, since they are meant to persuade. Five questions can help you analyze an argument: what is the source?; what is the issue of controversy?; is it an argument or a report?; how is the argument structured in terms of reasons and conclusion?; and what are the strengths and weaknesses? First, you should identify the reasons, and lastly define the conclusion. An argument can leave out important information, a critical thinker looks for what is missing, such as definitions, reasons and conclusions, and facts or information. We should also pay attention to the information provided, searching for discrepancies, contradictions, incongruities, and inconsistencies in order to make sure that what we are reading/hearing is true and concise.

Reflection:

I felt this was a very informative chapter. It broke down arguments and how to distinguish a strong one from a poor one. Defined basis of arguments and reminded the reader to search for missing information that could have been purposely left out to help persuade its point, or just missed which can make it invalid or less persuading. Also reminded you to look a little deeper into the information provided to determine if its true and consistent. I really liked this chapter and will keep this information in mind when dealing with this type of situation.

Viewpoints - Chapter 8

Summary:

This chapter described viewpoints. Being able to detach from your own view point is a skill that helps us communicate better and gain new perspectives. They are not to be confused for reality. There are many types of viewpoints such as: socioeconomic, politial, ethnic, national, religious, etc. They can be unconscious, such as religiocentrism, which is the belief that your religion is the only way. They can also be conscious as an opinion, or a preference to one side of a spectrum, as the political one. Hidden view points can be found in news framing... the way the editor lays out his work to downplay or exaggerate certain events to show as he wants them. As Jay Davis states, "Even the most evenhanded reporter is subject to personal bias." (TFY, pg228)

Reflection:

This chapter didn't really spark my interest much, in fact, it was a pretty boring read. I feel like I wasted my time, reading something that to me is common sense. I can, however say that I learned the "left and right" spectrum of political view points, I never knew which side was democrat n which was republican.