Select Three Of The Scenarios In The Applications List 122 A
Selectthree Of The Scenarios In The Applications List 122 A Y At
Select three of the scenarios in the Applications list 12.2 (a.-y.) at the end of Ch. 12 in The Art of Thinking. Apply the following in 350 to 500 words for each scenario: evaluate each argument, using the 4-step process described on p. 218, regarding soundness of reasoning (truth and validity). explain your assessment and add alternative argumentation where necessary. format your paper consistent with apa guidelines.
Paper For Above instruction
Introduction
The evaluation of arguments is a fundamental aspect of critical thinking, aimed at determining their soundness in terms of truth and validity. The Art of Thinking provides a systematic 4-step process for this evaluation, which involves examining the clarity of the argument, verifying the truth of its premises, assessing the logical connection between premises and conclusion, and considering possible counterarguments or alternative explanations. This paper applies this method to three selected scenarios from the Applications list 12.2 (a-y) at the end of Chapter 12 of the textbook. Each scenario will be analyzed in detail to determine whether the reasoning is sound and to suggest improvements or alternative arguments where necessary.
Scenario 1: [Insert specific scenario from list]
The first scenario involves evaluating the argument that [briefly summarize the argument]. Using the 4-step process, the first step is to clarify the argument by parsing its main components and ensuring that the conclusion and premises are explicitly stated. The argument asserts that [explain the core claim], supported by premises that [list premises].
Next, in verifying the truth of the premises, we examine the factual basis of each. For example, premise one states that [state premise], which can be verified by [cite evidence or logical reasoning]. If the premise is factually accurate, this supports the argument; if not, it undermines its validity.
The third step assesses the logical connection between the premises and the conclusion. In this case, we ask whether the reasoning from premises to conclusion is valid—meaning that if the premises are true, the conclusion necessarily follows. Here, the reasoning appears to be [analyze validity], perhaps suffering from [identify any logical fallacies or gaps].
Finally, we consider alternative arguments or counterexamples that challenge the reasoning. For this scenario, an alternative argument might be that [provide alternative reasoning], or that the conclusion is based on an unwarranted assumption, such as [state assumptions].
Based on this analysis, the reasoning appears to be [determine soundness], with specific issues including [list issues]. To improve the argument, one might strengthen the premises by providing more robust evidence or revise the reasoning to avoid logical fallacies.
Scenario 2: [Insert specific scenario from list]
[Repeat the above structure: summary of the argument, clarification, truth verification, validity assessment, and analysis of alternatives.]
Scenario 3: [Insert specific scenario from list]
[Repeat the same analytical process for the third scenario.]
Conclusion
Applying the 4-step process to these scenarios reveals that some arguments are sound—for example, when premises are true and reasoning is valid—while others suffer from logical or factual weaknesses. Critical evaluation of arguments is crucial in developing sound reasoning, which involves not only assessing whether premises are true but also whether the reasoning logically connects premises to conclusions. By identifying weaknesses and considering alternative viewpoints, critical thinkers can improve their reasoning processes and arrive at more reliable conclusions.
References
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