Definitions
Define abductive reasoning
Abductive reasoning is a form of logical inference that seeks the simplest and most likely conclusion based on a combined set of observations.
Which of the following is the major premise in this syllogism?
All butterflies are insects.
Danaus plexippus are a type of butterfly.
Danaus plexippus are insects.
All butterflies are insects.
Validity is a potential quality in arguments. What is makes an argument valid?
An argument is valid if its structure guarantees the conclusion follows from the premises.
Validity = if the premises are true, then the conclusion must be true.
A lede is the [______] located [______] in an op-ed.
A lede is the opening sentence or the (usually short) paragraph at the beginning of a news article. May contain a preview of the article contents or a simple hook/attention-getter.
The portrayal of a complex situation in simplistic either-or terms, not acknowledging that (1) both alternatives could be true, (2) gray areas exist between the two alternatives, or (3) other possibilities exist.
The portrayal of a complex situation in simplistic either-or terms, not acknowledging that (1) both alternatives could be true, (2) gray areas exist between the two alternatives, or (3) other possibilities exist. - Either/or Fallacy (AKA false dilemma, false dichotomy, and false binary).
According to the Toulmin model, what is a claim?
A claim is the assertion that authors would like to prove to their audience.
What is the relationship between claims and arguments?
Arguments are made up of claims.
Soundness is a potential quality in arguments. What qualifies an argument as sound?
An argument is sound if (and only if) it is both valid, and all of its premises are actually true.
What key characteristic of traditional op-eds is also the key characteristic defines motivational rhetoric and makes it different from persuasive rhetoric?
Call-to-Action
(Note: Persuasive rhetoric and motivational rhetoric are both persuasive, but motivation is about action and persuasion is about ideas/beliefs.)
A fallacy in which the author attacks the person make the opposing argument, rather than the argument itself.
Ad hominem fallacy.
According to the Toulmin model, what is a warrant?
A warrant explains why the selected evidence justifies the related claim.
Which of the following is the conclusion in this syllogism?
All butterflies are insects.
Danaus plexippus are a type of butterfly.
Danaus plexippus are insects.
Danaus plexippus are insects.
Select the appropriate responses from the provided options. (Use each term only once).
For an argument to be [Valid or Sound], it must also be [Valid or Sound].
For an argument to be [Sound], it must also be [Valid].
In other words, validity is "prerequisite" for an argument to even be evaluated for soundness or unsoundness.
What does the "op" in "op-ed" stand for and what does that word mean in the context of media forms?
"Opposite" as in the opposite page
"I ate an apple and now I am sick, so the apple must have made me sick."
What is post hoc/false cause?
Define inductive and deductive reasoning (and be carefully not to mix them up!)
Induction = an inference of a generalized conclusion from particular instances. (multiple specific --> one broad conclusion)
Deduction = an inference in which the conclusion about particulars follows necessarily from general or universal premises. (general/broad premises --> a conclusion about a narrower, more specific case)
What's the difference between a major premise and minor premise?
A major premise the broad, generally, and/or widely accepted statement that comes first in a syllogism.
A minor premise is more narrow or specific statement that comes second in a syllogism.
Is the following example syllogism valid/invalid and sound/unsound?
P1. Eating brussels sprouts results in good health.
P2. Ophelia has good health.
C. Ophelia has been eating brussels sprouts.
Invalid and Unsound
What are the key parts of the body section of an op-ed?
Arguments (with Evidence and Reasoning), Counterarguments + Rebuttal
Define a syllogism and list the parts of a syllogism.
A common form of deductive reasoning in which two statements — a major premise and a minor premise — combine together to reach a logical conclusion.
P1. Major Premise
P2. Minor Premise.
P3. Conclusion
Is the following example syllogism valid/invalid and sound/unsound?
P1. No car is a person
P2. My mother is a person
C. My mother is not a car
Valid and Sound
Name all 5 key parts of the rhetorical situation.
author/rhetor/speaker
audience/readers/listeners/viewers
purpose/exigence
topic
context/setting
"It's rainy this week because this is the rainy season."
Circular Reasoning.