TFY-Chapter 9

Chapter 9: Argument

1. Argument is an active endeavor that requires involvement, interaction with questions, and evaluation.

2. The analysis of arguments in terms of their reasons and conclusions applies to both inductive and deductive arguments. Reasons include data, evidence, while conclusions include hypotheses.

3. The questions asked in the critical reading of arguments are:

1) What viewpoint is the source of this argument?

2) What is the issue of controversy?

3) Is it an argument or a report?

4) What are the argument’s strengths and weaknesses?

4. Reasons Support conclusions. They may be generalizations that could function as conclusion in another context.

5. The conclusion is the last step in a reasoning process. Although, it may stated at any time during an argument.

6. The analysis of arguments in terms of their reasons and conclusions applies to both inductive and deductive arguments. Reasons include data, evidence, while conclusions include hypotheses.

7. Questions guidelines for analyzing the strengths and weaknesses of arguments:

• Are the reasons adequate to support the conclusion?
• Are there any hidden assumptions?
• Are any central words ambiguous or slanted so as to incite prejudice?
• Are there fallacies of reasoning?
• Is any important information missing?
  

8. An issue is a selected aspect of topic of controversy upon which positions may be taken either pro or con. Issues are stated in neutral terms often beginning with the word should and ending with a question.

TFY-Chapter 8

Chapter 8: Viewpoints

1. Viewpoints are something like assumptions, opinions, and evaluations. It can be consciously or unconsciously assumed.

2. Unconscious viewpoints include the egocentric, ethnocentric, religiocentric, andocentric, and anthropocentric.

3. We communicate we know our viewpoint and can understand and respect the viewpoints of others as well.

4. Writers shape their stories through their choice of a point of view. Their choices include third-person, first-person, and multiple points of view.

5. These viewpoints may be omniscient or humanly limited. U.S. politics cannot be defined in terms of simple left-to-right spectrum of viewpoints.

6. In alternative periodicals and on the internet a far wider range of viewpoints is available than on U.S. network television and mainstream publications.

TFY-Chapter 7

Chapter seven : Evaluations

1. This is a chapter about one variety of opinion called evaluations. Evaluations can be openly stated or remain hidden and manipulative. They can be based on explicit or vague criteria, clear or vague feelings. Their effects are powerful. When we mistake them for facts or are influenced by them unawares, we get into trouble, so this chapter teaches us how to both recognize and detach from evaluations.

2. Evaluations are not facts. Factual reports keep that contain unexamined or faulty support. Critical thinkers can support their evaluations.

3. Our minds tent to evaluate situations before we have had time to look them over.

4. Expectations influence our perception as well as our evaluations.

5. Word connotation can be manipulative evaluations.

6. An expert is a person with a reputation for making skilled evaluations.

7. The best defense against propaganda is to stay conscious.