PHIL347 Week 1 Discussion 1 & 2 Latest 2017
November
dq 1
WEEK 1: LIVING THE EXAMINED LIFE
5858 unread replies.139139 replies.
Considering what you read in Chapter 1, why is it beneficial to
live theexamined life?
dq 2
WEEK 1: CLAIMS AND REASONS
6767 unread replies.156156 replies.
Using the textbook, what is the difference between a statement
that is just a claim and one that is used in an argument? What makes some
claims reasons and others conclusions? Using the text or other source(s),
provide a simple argument, and identify the claims, the reason(s), and why you
would call it an argument.
PHIL347 Week 2 Discussion 1 & 2 Latest 2017
November
dq 1
WEEK 2: SO, WHAT ARE YOU INFERRING?
7979 unread replies.153153 replies.
Most well-constructed arguments have clues that help the reader
(or listener) identify whether a claim is a premise or conclusion. Some do not.
Considering what you have read in Chapter 3, discuss a tactic to identify
premises and conclusions without inference indicators, extra claims, or implied
claims. Try to use an example from the associated exercises to illustrate your
method.
dq 2
WEEK 2: "PAINTING" BY NUMBERS
7272 unread replies.167167 replies.
Although diagramming as it is described by Jackson and Newberry
(2016) is difficult in a discussion forum, talking about our experiences doing
so is not. Take one of the arguments from Exercise 4.18, but, in this case, do
use one divisible by 3 (3, 6, 9, etc.), and diagram it on paper, following the
directions in the chapter. Then, after comparing what you have with the right
answer in the last section of the book, discuss what you learned from the
exercise.
Jackson, D. & Newberry, P. (2016).Critical thinking: A user's manual (2nd
ed.). Boston, MA: Wadsworth: Cengage Learning.
PHIL347 Week 3 Discussion 1 & 2 Latest 2017
November
dq 1
WEEK 3: INDUCTIVE OR DEDUCTIVE
8383 unread replies.137137 replies.
Using the text, briefly describe the two types of deductive and
three types of inductive arguments, and see if you can offer a short test for
any argument to determine which designation can be applied to the argument to
be analyzed.
dq 2
WEEK
3: STANDARD FORM?
116116 unread replies.178178
replies.
Jackson and Newberry (2016) spend much time detailing how to put
categorical arguments into thestandard
form. Considering what you can glean from Chapter 6, discuss why
you feel being able to do such translations is so important. Try to incorporate
at least one option from Exercise 6.7 or 6.8 in your answer. [Be very clear
that this "standard form" is NOT the general one, but a very
specialized one designed just for categorical syllogisms]
Jackson, D. & Newberry, P. (2016).Critical
thinking: A user's manual (2nd ed.). Boston, MA: Wadsworth: Cengage
Learning.
PHIL347 Week 4 Discussion 1 & 2 Latest 2017
November
dq 1
WEEK 4: WHY STUDY TRUTH FUNCTIONS?
8686 unread replies.137137 replies.
Considering what you are learning as you read Chapter 7, why do
you feel it is important or beneficial to actually study truth functional
logic?
dq 2
WEEK
4: VITAL CONNECTIONS
8787 unread replies.146146 replies.
Look at the discussion about the truth tables for the "four
connectors." Pick one and discuss in what cases the connection is true and
in what cases it would be false, and see if you can give an explanation as to
why this is the case. (When two claims are connected byand, in what case is the truth valuefalse, and why?)
PHIL347 Week 5 Discussion 1 & 2 Latest 2017
November
dq 1
WEEK 5: YOU OBSERVED WHAT?
7676 unread replies.140140 replies.
Inductive generalizations are based on generalizations. Try to
describe a situation (keeping in mind your audience) about a time when a few
observations led you to a right conclusion or to a wrong one.
dq 2
WEEK
5: DESCRIBE ME A PICTURE
7777 unread replies.142142 replies.
Analogies are situations where a person paints a picture with
words; they help you to better understand a difficult concept or subject by
providing an analogue using a concept or subject that is better known. See if
you can create an analogy you might use in your career. Think about how to
describe some process, procedure, or ailment to a patient who might not
understand if you were using straight-forward language.
PHIL347 Week 6 Discussion 1 & 2 Latest 2017
November
dq 1
WEEK 6: I CAUSED WHAT?
107107 unread replies.141141 replies.
Discuss some of the differences between causal arguments and both
inductive generalizations and analogous arguments. Also discuss the difference
between making a causal argument and establishing true causation, if there is
any. Can you provide an example?
dq 2
WEEK
6: THAT IS SO FALLACIOUS!
109109 unread replies.135135
replies.
When learning about fallacies, it is very common for students to
realize just how often they use fallacious thinking unintentionally. Thinking
about the fallacies in the textbook, which one do you think you have committed
the most? Can you give an example? If you need to go outside this short list, be
sure to document your source.
PHIL347 Week 7 Discussion 1 & 2 Latest 2017
November
dq 1
WEEK
7: CONSIDERING OBJECTIVES
6868 unread replies.141141 replies.
Considering all you have learned in this class and your chosen
issue for the argumentative essay, what do you consider to be your primary
objectives?
dq 2
WEEK
7: SUPPORTING WITH SOURCES
7373 unread replies.133133 replies.
Keeping in mind that critical thinkers take the time to do the
research to back up claims and opinions, where will you find the most credible
sources to document the kinds of claims you will make in your argumentative
essay? Let us know one or more of your actual claims and the kinds of sources
you will need to back up your claims.
PHIL347 Week 1 Homework Assignment Latest 2017
November
Precis 1
To complete this assignment, follow the instructions below.
- Review
the description of a precis in this section after exercise 2.16 in the
textbook. You can also see examples throughout chapter 2. Then, consider
statements 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 8, or 10 in Exercise 2.18 (found in chapter 2).
- Choose
two statements and present an analysis in a proper paragraph. Be sure to
identify the essential elements including
- the
source of the statements;
- any
claims;
- whether
those claims present an argument; and, if so,
- which
of those claims are thepremises and which
is theconclusion.
- Feel
free to add any additional information you feel is pertinent to analyzing
each statement.
Please submit your assignment as a double-spaced Microsoft Word
document. Please use the naming protocol Precis1_Lastname. For example, if your
name is Jane Smith, the document would be saved as Precis1_Smith.
PHIL347 Week 3 Homework Assignment Latest 2017
November
Precis 2
To complete this assignment, follow the instructions below.
- There
will be arguments to address from both Chapters 5 and 6.
- From
Exercise 5.28 (mislabeled 2.28 in the text),
- choose
two arguments from options 1, 7, 8, and 10, and follow the directions for
writing the precis.
- From
Exercise 6.22, pages 158–159,
- write
a precis for options 1, 4, and 7.
- You
will end up with five precis in one document.
- Be
sure to include a cover page, and double-space the writing.
Note:Although you cannot easily
do a simple or Venn diagram, you can
- number
the claims;
- clearly
designate them aspremises and
aconclusion; and
- walk
through the logic stating the relationship between the premises and the
conclusion.
- Be
sure to state exactly which type of argument you are analyzing.
- If
the argument isinductive, state how you
rate the argument's strength.
- If
the argument isdeductive, state whether
it is valid and sound.
- Also
be sure to clearly list the exercise and option in the precis.
This assignment should be submitted as a double-spaced Microsoft
Word document. Please use the naming protocol Precis2_Lastname. For example, if
your name is Jane Smith, the document would be saved as Precis2_Smith.
PHIL347 Week 4 Homework Assignment Latest 2017
November
PHIL347
Week 4 Homework Assignment
Truth-Table Worksheet (graded, 60 points)
Part 1: 6 points
Part 2: 18 points
Part 3: 20 points
Part 4: 16 points
Total: 60 points
Part 1—Four Main Connectors (1.5
points× 4 = 6 total points)
Instructions
For the four main connectors, complete the truth tables below.
· For the purposes of this document, we will use keys common on
most computers.
· The tilde (~) remains the same, butandwill be represented by&,or will
be represented byV, andIf, then will be represented by>.
· Use capitalTfortrue and capitalF forfalse.
Part 2—Simple Claims (3
points× 6 = 18 total points)
Instructions
The simple claims below are from the textbook Exercise 7.6 (page
167).
· Designate a letter to represent each simple claim, and then
translate the truth-functional claims into symbolic forms.
· Be sure to provide a breakdown on which claims are represented
by which letter.
Example: People often think
that all claims are either facts or opinion.
Answer: FÚ O
F =People often think that all
claims are facts.
O =People often think that all
claims are opinions.
1. If John continues to look haggard, then someone must arrange to
take him to the University Health Center to find out what is wrong.
Answer:
2. Kestrels are not common in this part of the country.
Answer:
3. All students on campus have access to either a desktop computer
or laptop computer.
Answer:
4. The movie is unsuitable for children unless it has a G rating.
Answer:
5. Llamas are South American ruminants, and bison are North
American bovine mammals.
Answer:
6. You can graduate from this university only if you pass the
logical reasoning class.
Answer:
Part 3—Identifying Operator Identification (4
points× 5 = 20 total points)
Instructions
From the textbook Exercise 7.11 (pages 170–171), follow the
directions for claims below.
· Be sure to identify the claims represented by the capital
letters you have chosen as well as the type of main operator (i.e. conjunction,
disjunction, negation, or conditional).
Example:You do not feel safe in the
dark, yet your mission is to go into that cave.
Answer: ~S •M conjunction
S = You feel safe in
the dark.
M = Your mission is to
go into that cave.
1. It is not the case that my car will start after a rainstorm
only if I dry off the battery connections.
Answer:
2. You will not have a successful business unless you hire hard-working
employees.
Answer:
3. A crocodile is neither in the yard nor in the house.
Answer:
4. Children are strong readers and have good math skills only if
they attend preschool.
Answer:
5. If you finish all of your dinner, then you will not have room for
dessert.
Answer:
Part 4—Table Completion (4
points × 4 = 16 total points)
Instructions
From the textbook Exercise 7.20 (pages 181–182), complete the
truth tables for the following arguments, and state if they are valid or
invalid.
· If invalid, be sure to highlight the line demonstrating that
fact.
· The two columns to the left in red are there to help you make
sure you are applying all values properly.
1. M >K
M
K
The argument is _____. (Valid or invalid)
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M
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2. P > Q
Q
P
The argument is _____.
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3. Q
P > Q
P
The argument is _____.
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4. A V B
~ B
A
The argument is _____.
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A
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PHIL347 Week 5 Homework Assignment Latest 2017
November
Precis 3
To complete this assignment, follow the instructions below.
- You
will have two arguments to address from both Chapter 8 and Chapter 9.
- From
Chapter 8, Exercise 8.9, write a precis on passages 4 and 5.
- Be
sure to identify the type of argument, if appropriate, and discuss the
strength of any possible inductive generalizations.
- Work
to justify your analysis.
- No
diagram is necessary.
- From
Chapter 9, Exercise 9.12, write a precis on passages 1 and 4.
- Be
sure to identify the type of argument, if appropriate, and discuss the
strength of any possible analogical arguments.
- Work
to justify your analysis.
- No
diagram is necessary.
This assignment should be submitted as a double-spaced Microsoft
Word document. Please use the naming protocol Precis3_Lastname. For example, if
your name is Jane Smith, the document would be saved as Precis3_Smith.
PHIL347 Week 6 Homework Assignment Latest 2017
November
Reference
List for Argumentative Essay
In Week 7, you will be constructing an argumentative paper
incorporating what you learn that week about constructing arguments. For this
assignment, you are to submit a Microsoft Word document with a properly
formatted cover page. You may use this document to build the paper due in Week
7.
To complete this assignment, follow the instructions below.
- State
the topic clearly.
- Create
a thesis paragraph expressing what you will be arguing (the point you want
to make) and a general order for the paper.
- Include
a reference list of no fewer than five properly APA-formatted references
for sources you intend to use in the paper.
The list of possible topics includes
- human
involvement in climate change (no or yes and to what degree);
- the
use of robots in healthcare;
- the
impact (positive or negative) of social media on a specific generation;
- whether
social security will be sustainable into the future;
- the
value of DNA therapies in treating cancer;
- using
technologies like CRISPR/Cas9 to eliminate genetic diseases (or create
designer babies);
- whether
animals should have rights equal to humans;
- whether
vegetarianism is healthier than eating meat; and
- whether
either medical or recreational marijuana should be legal.
Hopefully, there is something here that will interest you.
Note: As you do your research, it is permissible to change your
sources. Also, because of the recency and relevance of these issues, no sources
older than 5 years should be used other than as historical information.
Critical thinkers do the research first and then side with the preponderance of
evidence. You might want to follow that principle.
This assignment should be submitted as a double-spaced Microsoft
Word document. Please use the naming protocol ReferenceList_Lastname. For
example, if your name is Jane Smith, the document would be saved as
ReferenceList_Smith.
PHIL347 Week 7 Homework Assignment Latest 2017
November
Argumentative
Essay
Following the direction offered by Jackson and Newberry (2016) in
Chapter 12, complete an argumentative essay on the issue you chose in Week 6.
Be sure your essay contains
- an
introduction containing a thesis that states the issue, your position on
the issue, what the paper will cover, and in what order;
- at
least two paragraphs that each contain a well-supported (and documented)
claim or sub-argument that will provide strong support for your
fallacy-free argument;
- at
least one paragraph discussing a documented, reasonable counterclaim to
your position that needs to be a legitimate claim that someone has
actually made as a counter-position on your issue;
- at
least one paragraph offering a reasonable, documented response to that
counterclaim; and
- a
conclusion that summarizes the argument and conclusion.
This argumentative essay should
- be
no less than 750 words;
- have
no fewer than five sources;
- be
submitted as a Microsoft Word document, using proper APA formatting (cover
page, one-inch margins, and double-spacing); and
- follow
APA documentation protocol.
This assignment should be submitted using the naming protocol
ArgumentativeEssay_Lastname. For example, if your name is Jane Smith, the
document would be saved as ArgumentativeEssay_Smith.
