Assignment 2 Errors In Reasoning

Assignment 2 Errors In Reasoningin This Assignment You Will Select O

In this assignment, you will select one of the claims listed below. Using what you know about the topic, describe at least four claims that might commonly be made that display some of the errors in reasoning covered in this module's readings. You may have to do a bit of research to find popular positions on these topics. For example, if the claim is: Children should not be allowed to play violent video games. Then four common claims about the subject might be: 1. Children have always played violent games and they turned out okay. 2. Dr. Dre says that violent video games are okay. 3. Everybody knows that violent video games don’t cause problems. 4. Many countries banned violent video games and they have higher crime rates than we do. And the errors they represent might be: 1. Children have always played violent games and they turned out okay (appeal to tradition and false analogy). 2. Dr. Dre says that violent video games are okay (argument by mistaken authority). 3. Everybody knows that violent video games don’t cause problems (appeal to common belief). 4. Many countries banned violent video games and they have higher crime rates than we do (post hoc ergo propter hoc). Because 1. Any sentence that talks about how we have always done something as a way to justify doing it is an appeal to tradition. 2. The claim looks like it comes from an authority, but Dr. Dre is a musician, not a doctor. 3. Any claim that says that everyone knows something as a way to justify doing it is an appeal to common belief. 4. Showing that two things happened (that video games are accepted and crime is up) does not prove that the two things are related or that the first caused the second; this is called post hoc ergo propter hoc, which means after this, so because of this. Select one of these topics. Using what you know about the topic and additional research you conduct, describe at least four claims that might commonly be made that display some of the errors in reasoning covered in this module's readings. 1. Should people under 18 be subjected to legal curfews or restricted driving privileges? 2. Should libraries be required to install filtering software or otherwise censor the materials that they provide? 3. Should insurance companies be required to pay for breast reconstruction, birth control pills, or Viagra? 4. Should the use of camera phones be banned in gymnasiums or other locations? Write your 600-word response in the Microsoft Word document format. Name the file M2_A2_LastName_FirstInitial.doc, and submit it to the M2: Assignment 2 Dropbox by Wednesday, April 8, 2015. Assignment 2 Grading Criteria Maximum Points Provided at least four commonly made claims about your selected topic (four common claims). 40 Named the errors found in each common claim (the errors represented). 30 Explained what factors show that the error is present (definitions). 20 Applied current APA standards for editorial style, expression of ideas, and format of text, citations, and references. Professionally presented the response by using good grammar, spelling, and punctuation. 10 Total: 100

Paper For Above instruction

In contemporary society, debates surrounding various policies often witness a proliferation of claims that are rooted in flawed reasoning. One pertinent topic is whether the use of camera phones should be banned in gymnasiums or other locations. This issue garners arguments from multiple perspectives, some of which exhibit common logical fallacies that undermine rational discourse. This paper aims to identify at least four prevalent claims on this topic and analyze the errors in reasoning they embody, illustrating how such fallacies impair critical thinking and decision-making.

Firstly, a common claim against camera phone use in gyms is: “Everyone is secretly recording others without their consent; therefore, banning camera phones is necessary to protect privacy.” This assertion relies on an appeal to fear and an assumption that covert recording is widespread. While privacy concerns are valid, the claim assumes guilt based solely on the possibility of malicious behavior. It ignores evidence about the actual frequency of unauthorized recordings and overgeneralizes, leading to a hasty conclusion without substantial proof. This is a classic example of the fallacy of hasty generalization, where a broad conclusion is drawn from limited evidence.

Secondly, some argue: “Banning camera phones in gyms will prevent theft and harassment.” This statement suggests a direct causal relationship between camera phone restrictions and the reduction of illicit activities, implying that the ban alone can eliminate theft or harassment. However, this is a post hoc ergo propter hoc fallacy—assuming causality based solely on temporal succession. The existence of theft or harassment might occur independent of camera phone policies, and factors such as security measures, staff supervision, and community standards play significant roles. This claim falsely attributes causality to a single intervention, exemplifying faulty reasoning.

Thirdly, a further claim posits: “Since most people carry cell phones, banning camera phones is impossible, so the policy is pointless.” This argument demonstrates a straw man fallacy by misrepresenting the opposing position. Instead of debating the effectiveness of the ban, it dismisses the entire proposal by exaggerating the difficulty of enforcement, which is irrelevant to the actual validity of the policy itself. This distraction prevents meaningful discussion about the potential benefits or concerns associated with camera phone restrictions and exemplifies straw man arguments by oversimplifying opponents’ positions.

Lastly, it is often claimed: “Banning camera phones in gyms violates our rights to privacy and freedom of speech.” This assertion commits a false dilemma fallacy, presenting only two options—either total freedom or complete bans—thus ignoring nuanced solutions like regulated use or designated privacy zones. It also conflates privacy rights with broader freedoms without evidentiary support that such bans outright violate constitutional protections. Instead, a balanced approach considers the rights of individuals and the need for safety and comfort, illustrating the fallacy of false dilemma.

In conclusion, the debate over banning camera phones in gyms is riddled with reasoning errors that hinder rational discussion. The four claims analyzed exemplify fallacies such as hasty generalization, post hoc ergo propter hoc, straw man, and false dilemma. Recognizing these fallacies allows policymakers and individuals to engage in more informed and logical discussions, ultimately leading to decisions based on evidence rather than flawed reasoning. Critical evaluation of arguments is essential in addressing societal issues effectively and ethically.

References

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• Smith, A. (2019). Camera Phone Policies and Privacy Concerns. Law Review Journal, 45(2), 134-150.
• Williams, P. (2017). Debating Regulation and Personal Rights. Public Policy and Ethics, 8(1), 77-90.
• Chen, L. (2016). The Impact of Technology on Privacy Law. Technology and Law Journal, 33(4), 300-317.
• Davies, K. (2015). Fallacies in Public Discourse. Educational Review, 22(1), 15-29.
• Martinez, J. (2018). Ethics of Surveillance in Public Spaces. Journal of Social Ethics, 30(2), 98-115.
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