Inferences: Logic and 3a Exercise 2d
Karina Kurudimov
3 February 2015
ENGWR 302
O.L. #3A Exercise 2D
1) “The war in Afghanistan is the longest war in history.” Fact: I read an article that did indeed conclude that this is the longest war in history—this information can be verified.
2) “Material on the Internet should not be censored by government or any other organization.” Judgment: The speaker disapproves of censoring material on the internet.
3) “For sale: lovely three-bedroom house in forest setting, easy commute, a bargain at $475,000.” Fact: It can be proven that the home is for sale. Judgment: The speaker, approves of the property, and makes positive inferences that it is
“lovely” and being sold at a “bargain”.
4) “Forty-one percent of Californians who die are cremated—almost twice the national average of 21 percent.” Fact: This is a fact that I read in an article and it can be verified.
5) “Artist Winslow Homer didn’t begin to paint seriously until 1862.”
Inference: The speaker concluded that because Homer only began painting oils in 1862, this is when he became a serious painter.
(http://www.arthistory-famousartists-paintings.com/WinslowHomer.html)
6) “Eric has a drinking problem.”
Inference: The speaker assumes that Eric has a drinking problem based on how much he drinks.
Judgment: This statement has a negative connotation.
7) Critic Ben Brantley called the latest production of Shakespeare’s As You Like It ‘exhilarating’.” Fact: It can be verified that Ben Brantley said this. Judgment: Brantley approved of the play.
8) “After I took those vitamin pills recommended by the coach, I scored a touchdown. Those pills sure did the trick.” Fact: It can be proven that the speaker took the pills and that the coach recommended the pills. Inference: The speaker assumes that the pills are the reason that he was able to score a touchdown. Judgment: The speaker approves of the pills since he infers they improved his athletic
abilities.
3 February 2015
ENGWR 302
O.L. #3A Exercise 2D
1) “The war in Afghanistan is the longest war in history.” Fact: I read an article that did indeed conclude that this is the longest war in history—this information can be verified.
2) “Material on the Internet should not be censored by government or any other organization.” Judgment: The speaker disapproves of censoring material on the internet.
3) “For sale: lovely three-bedroom house in forest setting, easy commute, a bargain at $475,000.” Fact: It can be proven that the home is for sale. Judgment: The speaker, approves of the property, and makes positive inferences that it is
“lovely” and being sold at a “bargain”.
4) “Forty-one percent of Californians who die are cremated—almost twice the national average of 21 percent.” Fact: This is a fact that I read in an article and it can be verified.
5) “Artist Winslow Homer didn’t begin to paint seriously until 1862.”
Inference: The speaker concluded that because Homer only began painting oils in 1862, this is when he became a serious painter.
(http://www.arthistory-famousartists-paintings.com/WinslowHomer.html)
6) “Eric has a drinking problem.”
Inference: The speaker assumes that Eric has a drinking problem based on how much he drinks.
Judgment: This statement has a negative connotation.
7) Critic Ben Brantley called the latest production of Shakespeare’s As You Like It ‘exhilarating’.” Fact: It can be verified that Ben Brantley said this. Judgment: Brantley approved of the play.
8) “After I took those vitamin pills recommended by the coach, I scored a touchdown. Those pills sure did the trick.” Fact: It can be proven that the speaker took the pills and that the coach recommended the pills. Inference: The speaker assumes that the pills are the reason that he was able to score a touchdown. Judgment: The speaker approves of the pills since he infers they improved his athletic
abilities.