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Group Exercise #2 Directions: While viewing the video below, ask yourselves the following questions. Determine what, if any, mistakes are being made in the arguments. Come to an agreement as to why the ad is an example of a particular sort of fallacy or booby trap. Be prepared to present your findings to the class. 1. First, identify the argument being presented. It is sometimes helpful to paraphrase the argument. You might consider writing down each premise as a separate line. Keep in mind that sometimes a larger argument might contain smaller sub-arguments. Refer to the helpful tips above for thinking about arguments. Remember that arguments may be implied rather than stated explicitly. Ask yourselves, “What am I supposed to believe after I watch this ad?” and “Why do they ask me to believe it?” 2. Look at each conclusion. Now assess the reasons (premises) being offered for that conclusion. Ask yourselves two questions about those premises. (1) Do I have any cause to believe that the premises are true? (2) Do the premises logically support the conclusion? 3. Assess the arguments for fallacies and/or booby-traps. Do any of the arguments make logical errors? Might the arguments lead you to commit a fallacy? |