PHILO 103

Dr. Monast

ESSAY TWO ASSIGNMENT

Due to me on 11/15/01

In a newspaper or magazine, locate an article that contains a deductive argument. Perform a complete assessment of the quality of the argument (arguments, where necessary) put forth in the article. Along with whatever else you need to do in order to assess the argument, you must at least:

(1) Lay out the formal structure of the deductive part of the argument.

(2) Identify the argument type.

(3) Test its validity via a truth table, direct or indirect.

(4) Explore the truth, falsity, or indeterminacy of the individual premises.

(5) Identify any formal or informal fallacies committed in the argument.

(6) Note whatever reasonable alternatives there may be to the conclusion actually drawn.

(7) State whether you find the article rationally compelling or not, explicitly supporting your position.

Directions:

A. Along with your essay, you must submit the article you are writing about.

B. The paper must be typed. If you do not have access to the logic symbols on your computer or typewriter, you may hand write those in as needed.

C. No specific length. Just do a good job and satisfy the criteria above.

Tip: Among the most obvious places to seek arguments, as opposed to mere reports or explanations, are in editorials and in letters to the editor.