The role of logic in argumention - Essay Example

Elements of Argument Final Requirements in English Discuss the role of logic in argumention. Include some discussion of deductive and inductive reasoning and fallacies. Logic means clear and orderly thought. Logic is necessary to support an argument in any kind of persuasion, in answering an essay question, and in supplying evidence to support an opinion. . It works by testing propositions against one another to determine their accuracy. When making arguments, it is necessary to determine that the following elements are present: (1) a thesis that declares the writers position on the problem at hand; (2) an acknowledgment of the opposition that nods to, or quibbles with other points of view; (3) a set of clearly defined premises that illustrate the arguments line of reasoning; (4) evidence that validates the arguments premises; and (5) a conclusion that convinces the reader that the argument has been soundly and persuasively made. Only when these elements are clearly structured and followed in the respective order, will this argument be considered logical. One rule of logic is that no conclusion can be drawn unless the major premise states a universal. A second rule of logic is that no conclusion can be drawn if the conclusion does not necessarily follow from the two premises. This can occur of the major and minor premises are both true, but are not related or are not necessarily connected. We have learned that there are two kinds of logical thought: deductive reasoning and inductive reasoning. When one deduces, she moves from a general argument to a specific argument. On the other hand, when one reasons inductively, you observe the specific(s) and move to the general. Being aware of common errors that people make in logical thinking will help you evaluate the soundness of arguments you hear and read, as well as those you write. Some common fallacies include hasty generalizations, stereotype, false analogy, circular reasoning, attacking the person and not the issue, either – or fallacy, non sequitur (it does not follow), among others. 2. Discuss the significance of analysis of an argument. The analysis of an argument is significant as this particular task asks one to read a brief argument, analyze the reasoning behind it, and write a critique of the argument. Analysis of an argument does not ask one to develop your own opinion like the analysis of an issue task. The analysis of an argument task involves analyzing a given opinion, including considering questionable assumptions that underline the opinion, counterexamples that may weaken the conclusion, or evidence that may support it. In analyzing an argument it is important to present a logical flow of ideas, clear control of the English language, and the use of a strong format, with an introduction and a conclusion. Due to the short time limit it is advisable to keep sentences concise and use a few well-developed examples to support one’s view. If one knows the elements needed to make argument analysis, the individual would be able to exhibit one’s ability to write analytically. The most important elements to ensure that arguments are analyzed efficiently are as follows: reading the material carefully, think before you write, focus on critiquing, develop examples fully, separate conclusions from premises, quantify one’s ideas, arrange and review contents of one’s introduction, body and conclusion, and proof read one’s work. 3. Discuss how to make an effective persuasive argument. Make sure to include how good argument needs a refutation and organization. A individual would be able to make an effective persuasive argument by following these steps: (1) develop a stance by clearly explain the argument; include viewpoint(s) you personally advocate; (2) establish credentials through informing the audience of any previous experience(s)/research that pertains to the argued point; (3) anticipate opposing arguments by being aware of opposing viewpoint(s); (4) counter opposing arguments through the utilization of responding to them as introduction to personal viewpoint(s) and (5) use reason by basing persuasive argument on evidence and facts. To enable an individual to make an effective persuasive argument, the traditional parts should be observed to strengthen the argument. These parts are: (1) introduction; (2) narration, or background statement of the facts; (3) partition, or forecast of the topics to be presented; (4) conformation, or the confirmation of the piece. In contemporary English classes, this would be called the body of the text. (5) refutation, or discussion of alternatives; and (6) peroration, or a conclusion. It’s often helpful to tie the conclusion back to the introduction in order to strengthen your claim. These parts are helpful in forming the structure in persuasive writing. 4. Discuss at least 3 elements of critical thinking and rhetoric that learned in this class? What is their significance for you and why? We learned that critical thinking and rhetoric have the following elements: (1) Identification of premises and conclusions.  Critical thinkers break arguments into basic statements and draw logical implications. (2) Clarification of arguments. Critical thinkers locate ambiguity and vagueness in arguments and propositions. (3) Establishment of facts. Critical thinkers determine if the premises are reasonable and identify information that has been omitted or not collected.  They determine if the implications are logical and search for potentially contradictory data. (4) Evaluation of Logic. Critical thinkers determine if the premises support the conclusion. In deductive arguments, the conclusions must be true if the premises are true.  In inductive arguments, the conclusions are likely if the premises are true. (5) Final evaluation. Critical thinkers weigh the evidence and arguments.  Supporting data, logic and evidence increase the weight of an argument.  Contradictions and lack of evidence decrease the weight of an argument.  Critical thinkers do not accept propositions if they think there is more evidence against them or if the argument is unclear, omits significant information, or has false premises or poor logic. These lessons are significant for me because they enabled me to be aware of the elements needed in writing effective arguments. This developed my skill in writing persuasive arguments designed in a logical way. By being aware of the significance of analysis, my analytical abilities were honed and I become more confident in argumentative writing. Read More