phl320 r2 critical thinking ch03c

Chapter 3; third part of 3.

VAGUENESS!
Another important source of confusion in real life

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 YOU: Dr. Teacher, Dr. Teacher!
I missed class! What’s the reading assignment?  DR. TEACHER: Read a lot.

© 2012 McGraw-Hill Higher

2

“Read a lot????”
That’s pretty vague.
A statement is too VAGUE when it lacks enough detail for our purposes.
A judgment call.
But reasonable people agree that
“Read a lot” is too vague for a reading assignment.
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3

Which is more vague?
 Jeremy turned his ankle.
 Jeremy turned to religion.

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4

Which is more vague?
 Oswald was dealt a full house.
 Oswald is not playing with a full deck.

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5

Which is more vague?
 My car turns on a dime.
 These scales turn on a hair.

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6

In your judgment, is the italicized term too vague given the implied context? “I’d just like a regular haircut, please.”
 There is no “correct” answer, BUT:
 Seems pretty vague to this teacher.

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7

In your judgment, is the italicized term too vague given the implied context? “If you get ready for bed quickly, Mommy has a surprise for you.”
 Seems just right, no?

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8

Too vague given the implied context? “Let’s have a little less noise, for God’s sake! I’m trying to sleep!!”
 Seems just right!

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9

Too vague given the implied context?  “To avoid unsafe levels of carbon monoxide, do not set the wick on your kerosene stove too high.”
 Seems pretty darn vague.

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10

Too vague, in your opinion?
 “Nothing short of total victory is acceptable in Iraq.”

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11

Too vague given the implied context?  “War on Terrorism”

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12

Anything wrong with any of these?
 “Today we face a crisis in higher education.”  “What should be done about immigration?”  “In this company, you need