PHIL-447N Week 2 Discussion Question 1 – Premises and Conclusions (graded)
Let’s spend some time sorting out the premises and conclusions in some examples. Choose one of the statements below. Your task is to identify the premise(s) and the conclusion(s) of your example and to negotiate among yourselves if you disagree. Additionally, discuss whether the premises or conclusions are valid. This exercise works best if students do not all choose the first example. If one example has been well discussed, choose a different example to discuss.
PHIL 447N Week 2 Discussion Question 2 – Defining Terms and How We Do It (graded)
In this week’s lecture, we read about Socrates’ concern for defining undefined terms as the first step in critical thinking.
Choose one of the statements below. Your task is to determine how the term is used to define your chosen example, and whether the definition is by example, by synonym, by an analytical definition. If you experience difficulty in determining which method of definition is being used, describe the difficulty and try to negotiate agreement with other class members. This exercise works best if students do not all choose the first example. If one example has been well discussed, choose a different example to discuss.
PHIL 447N Week 2 Quiz (MCQs)
- Question : (TCOs 1 & 2) In Chapter 2, we learned how to recognize words that indicate the main parts of an argument. The word ‘thus’ is a
- Question : (TCOs 1 & 2) In Chapter 2, we learned how to recognize the main parts of an argument. An argument always has two parts:
- Question : (TCOs 1 & 2) In Chapter 2, learned the meaning of Artistotle’s three modes of persuasions. Pathos is the mode of persuasion that
- Question : (TCOs 1 & 3) In Chapter 3, we learned the meaning and purpose of different kinds of definitions. A lexical definition is one that
- Question : (TCOs 1 & 3) In Chapter 3, we learned how to recognize and clarify certain kinds of ambiguity. Consider the following example. “Our wines leave you with nothing to hope for.” (from a Swiss menu)
How would you rewrite the following claim to remedy problems of ambiguity? Do not assume that common sense by itself solves the problem.