Question #4 (numbered claims): When Dr. E was walking her dogs last night they started to chase something 1. It wasn’t a skunk 2. The dogs could catch a skunk if they were to chase it a. The dogs would stink if they caught a skunk b. The dogs didn’t stink c.
Argument? Yes, it is an argument.
Conclusion: It wasn’t a skunk. (2)
Additional premises needed? Not really, what wasn’t said is common sense. The unstated premises that are common sense are: If a skunk feels threatened, which it would if being chased by two dogs it would spray them. Spraying them is the skunk’s method of defense.
Good argument: Yes, this is an example of a good argument.
I found this exercise to be helpful in the since that I am a firm believer in practice makes perfect. I have found over my years of school and homework that I learn the best from application and hands on work. So by taking what I read if the previous pages of this part of the textbook and then applying it I found myself better understanding how to analyze the structure of an argument and determine if it is a good argument or if it’s not what is needed to make it a good argument. So all in all, the exercise was helpful.
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I really like your explanation of how this exercise was useful. I also feel that having exercises to use makes me learn better. This discussion question was one of the best for me because it really made me think and analyze a situation, rather than explain what something meant. I think from now on, I'll be able to remember better how to break down a complex argument to find out if it is good, weak, or valid. I also like your explanation of the exercise, it was clearly labeled and illustrated. I could visually see everything you were explaining which is a big help.
ReplyDeleteLike what MyClass Online said, the explanation of the exercise you done were very helpful. You explained Question #4 thorough and very understanding. It was cool how you also explained how how found a better understanding to analyze the structure. I am most most likely start to analyze the structure of the argument and determine the analysis of it.
ReplyDeleteMy problem is I usually just go with the flow instead of going through these questions before I conclude a explanation to the arguement. Agreed with you, these exercises were HELLA useful.
This blog post really showed you understand the problem well. You did an excellent job explaining the argument. for your premise though I thought a little more explanation can be used instead of just saying it was common sense. Because common sense can mean many different things from other people. A skunk isnt the only animal that can smell in reality. But overall i know where your coming from and yeah it does make sense. Good job =)
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