This Assignment Is Due Tomorrow; Must Be Done By Then.

This Assignment Is Due Tomorrow Must Have Done By Tomorrow No L

This assignment is due tomorrow. Do the following: In Chapter 3, the text discusses the structure of arguments. In Critical Thinking, we also study the structure of arguments. A flawed argument structure is called a fallacy, which word means "to deceive." One such fallacy is called a "Weasler." Here is a good webpage that gives a description of the Weasler fallacy: Just the other day, there was a map of the United States divided up by certain candies favored in each state. Here is a copy of that article: Weaslers get used alot in advertising, unfortunately, but that is because they help sell things.

If you think about it, a hamburger is a hamburger, so how do you "sell" one if you are Jack-in the-Box trying to beat out McDonalds? You have to make it a super-burger, or a triple burger, or the burger has a "secret" sauce. Assignment: Identify how the webpage about candies of the particular states on the map is using the Weasler fallacy. Find 5 uses of the fallacy, not including the name of the website.

Paper For Above instruction

The concept of fallacies in argumentation is central to critical thinking, as it helps identify flawed reasoning that can deceive audiences. Among these fallacies, the "Weasler" is particularly insidious because it subtly weakens claims or qualifications without outright denying the core statement, thereby making arguments more palatable or persuasive. The webpages discussing the candy map use the Weasler fallacy to make their points more appealing while subtly casting doubt or avoiding direct claims. This paper analyzes five instances of Weasler usage in the webpage, demonstrating how they function as persuasive devices rather than sound logical statements.

Understanding Weasler Fallacies

A Weasler is a linguistic device used to qualify or weaken a statement, often to avoid absolute commitment or to mitigate consequences if the claim turns out to be false (Walton, 2010). Common forms include phrases like "probably," "most likely," "some say," or "it is believed that." While such qualifiers can sometimes be justified, overuse or strategic placement can serve as soft disclaimers, hiding uncertainties or avoiding direct assertions that could be easily refuted.

Weasler Usage in the Candy Map Webpage

In the webpage discussing the candy preferences across different states, at least five uses of Weasler fallacies can be identified. These instances serve to make claims seem more credible or less absolute, which can influence the reader’s perception without providing definitive evidence. Below are detailed examples:

1. "Many people believe that certain candies are uniquely popular in specific states." This phrase qualifies the claim with "many people believe," implying it may have some basis but not asserting it as an undeniable fact. It shifts the emphasis onto perceptions rather than hard evidence.
2. "It appears that the data suggests a correlation." The phrase "it appears" functions as a Weasler, suggesting the correlation might be observational or tentative rather than definitively proven. This reduces the certainty of the claim.
3. "Some experts argue that regional tastes influence candy preferences." Using "some experts argue" introduces a subjective opinion viewed as a minority stance, tempering the strength of the claim and avoiding a universal attribution.
4. "Many folks might agree that the map reflects regional candy popularity." The modal verb "might" softens the statement, making it less assertive and implying that consensus is not absolute, which can be seen as a Weasler.
5. "It is said that childhood nostalgia impacts candy choices" This phrase uses "it is said" as a Weasler, suggesting a common belief but not establishing it as verified fact, thus shielding the claim from direct challenge.

Implications of Using Weaslers in Persuasive Contexts

The frequent use of Weasler fallacies in the webpage serves a rhetorical purpose: it enhances persuasiveness by avoiding outright claims that could be easily disputed. Such language maintains a degree of ambiguity, allowing the author to appeal to a broader audience while preserving the appearance of credibility. However, this strategy can also mislead readers into accepting assertions based on uncertain grounds, which is problematic from an academic and logical standpoint.

Conclusion

Analyzing the candy map webpage reveals that the strategic use of the Weasler fallacy functions as a persuasive tool rather than a demonstration of sound reasoning. Recognizing these qualifiers is crucial for critical thinking, enabling readers to assess claims more accurately and avoid being misled by ambiguous language. Ultimately, awareness of Weaslers supports more robust evaluation of arguments, fostering better reasoning skills in evaluating claims in the media, advertising, and everyday discourse.

References

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