love
C H A P T E R
12
Evaluate Your
Argument on the Issue
In this chapter you will learn how to identify and overcome errors in reasoning. This is a special step that applies only to issues because resolving issues involves finding the most reasonable belief.
Two broad kinds of errors are examined—errors affecting the truth of your ideas and errors affecting the quality of your reasoning.
A step-by-step approach to evaluate arguments is also included.
B
ecause your main objective in addressing an issue is not to find the most effective action but to determine the most reasonable belief, your main task in refining an issue is to evaluate your argument to be sure that it is free of error.
Two broad kinds of error must be considered. The first affects the truth of the argument’s premises or assertions. The second affects the argument’s validity— that is, the legitimacy of the reasoning by which the conclusion was reached.
A sound argument is both true and valid.
■
ERRORS AFFECTING TRUTH
ISBN 1-256-46689-1
Errors affecting truth are found by testing the accuracy of the premises and the conclusion as individual statements. The first and most common error in this category is simple factual inaccuracy. If we have investigated the issue properly and have taken care to verify our evidence whenever possible, such errors should not be present. We will therefore limit our consideration to the more subtle and common errors:
•
•
•
•
Either/or thinking
Avoiding the issue
Overgeneralizing
Oversimplifying
209
The Art of Thinking: A Guide to Critical and Creative Thought, Tenth Edition, by Vincent Ryan Ruggiero. Published by Pearson. Copyright © 2012 by Pearson Education, Inc.
210
Chapter 12
Evaluate Your Argument on the Issue
• Double standard
• Shifting the burden of proof
• Irrational appeal
Either/Or Thinking
This error consists of believing that only two choices are possible in situations in which there are
12
Evaluate Your
Argument on the Issue
In this chapter you will learn how to identify and overcome errors in reasoning. This is a special step that applies only to issues because resolving issues involves finding the most reasonable belief.
Two broad kinds of errors are examined—errors affecting the truth of your ideas and errors affecting the quality of your reasoning.
A step-by-step approach to evaluate arguments is also included.
B
ecause your main objective in addressing an issue is not to find the most effective action but to determine the most reasonable belief, your main task in refining an issue is to evaluate your argument to be sure that it is free of error.
Two broad kinds of error must be considered. The first affects the truth of the argument’s premises or assertions. The second affects the argument’s validity— that is, the legitimacy of the reasoning by which the conclusion was reached.
A sound argument is both true and valid.
■
ERRORS AFFECTING TRUTH
ISBN 1-256-46689-1
Errors affecting truth are found by testing the accuracy of the premises and the conclusion as individual statements. The first and most common error in this category is simple factual inaccuracy. If we have investigated the issue properly and have taken care to verify our evidence whenever possible, such errors should not be present. We will therefore limit our consideration to the more subtle and common errors:
•
•
•
•
Either/or thinking
Avoiding the issue
Overgeneralizing
Oversimplifying
209
The Art of Thinking: A Guide to Critical and Creative Thought, Tenth Edition, by Vincent Ryan Ruggiero. Published by Pearson. Copyright © 2012 by Pearson Education, Inc.
210
Chapter 12
Evaluate Your Argument on the Issue
• Double standard
• Shifting the burden of proof
• Irrational appeal
Either/Or Thinking
This error consists of believing that only two choices are possible in situations in which there are