Analyzing Arguments

Distinguish between deductive and inductive reasoning with an example for each, using the context of Supreme Court decisions.

• Deductive reasoning: The Supreme Court feels a law is unjust, so it must be unconstitutional.

• Example of deductive reasoning: All laws that infringe on constitutional rights are invalid. A new law restricts freedom of speech. Therefore, this law is invalid. Example of inductive reasoning: Every time the Supreme Court has ruled on free speech, it has expanded protections. Therefore, the Supreme Court is likely to expand free speech protections in future cases.

• Inductive reasoning: All the Supreme Court decisions I have studied enhance civil liberties, so all Supreme Court decisions must enhance civil liberties.

• Deductive reasoning: If the Supreme Court declares a law unconstitutional, it cannot be enforced. The Supreme Court has declared the law unconstitutional, so it cannot be enforced.

Evaluate the premise: 'All supreme court judges are dishonest. John is a supreme court judge. Therefore, John is dishonest.' Is the conclusion valid?

• Depends on the situation

• No

• Maybe

• Yes

In argumentative text, what does the word evaluate mean?

• Statement, reason or

  fact for/against a point.

• To judge the worth of something

• The point of view of the

  author.

• Acceptable due to its sound

  basis in reasoning

In argumentative text, what does the word argument mean?

• When an author takes a position

  or side on an issue or idea and

  states that idea as true.

• To judge.

• Important and related to the

  topic.

• Statement, reason or

  fact for/against a point.

What is the definition of reasoning?

• Using logical thought to

  determine something.

• Enough.

• The point of view of the

  author.

• To back up or prove a claim

  or statement.

What does valid mean?

• The point of view of the

  author.

• Statement, reason or

  fact for/against a point.

• When an author takes a position

  or side on an issue or idea and

  states that idea as true.

• Acceptable due to its sound

  basis in reasoning

What is meant by support?

• Using logical thought to

  determine something.

• The point of view of the

  author.

• Important and related to the

  topic.

• To back up or prove a claim

  or statement

CJ's ___________ of being the best wrestler ever may be a claim that he can actually back up with proof.

• support

• purpose

• inequality

• proposition

You must be able to ____________ your claims. Details and evidence of the fact allows you to believe or not believe a statement.

Jack believes Fairland football is the best and South Point is the worst. I do think he is ________. His love for Fairland and his strong dislike of South Point may be affecting his judgement

• alienate

• biased

• toned

• supportive