In phase three you will begin your research and do two distinct things (KEEP them distinct): first, you will write a thesis paragraph, and second you will compile a list of premises in support of your thesis.
Thesis paragraph: Having settled on a thesis that meets the criteria (clear, substantive, particular, something you think may be true and for which you can give reasons, subject to reasonable challenge, and stated in a simple declarative sentence), you will now frame a paragraph that a) explains its terms and scope, as needed, and b) frames and contextualizes the issue as one needing an argument. There are several ways to do the latter, but the basic task is to show your reader why your thesis matters, what's at stake, and (if a reader might find your thesis too obviously true) that some reasonable people think otherwise.
Notice that it should not be possible for a reader of your paragraph to be mistaken for one instant about what the thesis is for which you are arguing. Nor should there be anything else in the thesis paragraph -- in particular, do not include in it any reasons in support of your thesis (save those for the body of the paper).
Premises: Next, list the premises you think will support your thesis. Include all sorts of considerations you can find or think of that support your thesis (examples, research findings, common wisdom -- relevant facts of all sorts). Write each as a single, declarative sentence. Do not (yet) include your grounds for thinking each is true, but notice which ones need the most support, as you may yet decide to make one of your premises into your thesis, as a way of scaling the project down.
This phase is due on Wednesday, October 5th at 5 pm, but it is a good idea to meet with Kyle or myself before then to make sure you're on track.
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Attention Bloggers
If you have not done so already, please go into the preferences on your blogs and turn off the word verification feature that makes adding comments so awkward. Thanks.
Sunday, September 25, 2011
More Detail for the Next Phase
Having designated a topic, you will now frame a thesis or claim about it that you hope will serve as the conclusion to the argument your essay will make (as noted, there might still be some narrowing to do later on).
First, state your thesis in the form of a short declarative sentence, followed by a brief clarification of its terms, as necessary. To serve its purpose, your thesis must meet several several criteria. It must be clear, substantive, particular, and the object of possible or actual reasoned debate. This last is crucial -- if everyone already agrees, then there is no point in constructing an argument for it. Your thesis should be something you think is true, about which you have a genuine curiosity, and for which you think you can muster some compelling reasons.
Email this phase to Kyle (John) Innis and me by 5 pm on Wednesday, September 28. Notice that you will not have fulfilled the assignment if you don't send it to both of us, and by the time specified.
First, state your thesis in the form of a short declarative sentence, followed by a brief clarification of its terms, as necessary. To serve its purpose, your thesis must meet several several criteria. It must be clear, substantive, particular, and the object of possible or actual reasoned debate. This last is crucial -- if everyone already agrees, then there is no point in constructing an argument for it. Your thesis should be something you think is true, about which you have a genuine curiosity, and for which you think you can muster some compelling reasons.
Email this phase to Kyle (John) Innis and me by 5 pm on Wednesday, September 28. Notice that you will not have fulfilled the assignment if you don't send it to both of us, and by the time specified.
Friday, September 23, 2011
Assignments
For this Monday, we'll do problems in sections 1.4 and 1.5.
Also, now that you have chosen a topic, start to craft a thesis (conclusion) for which you think you could make an argument. I will ask you to send such a proposal to me and Kyle (John) Innis by the end of the day Tuesday.
Also, now that you have chosen a topic, start to craft a thesis (conclusion) for which you think you could make an argument. I will ask you to send such a proposal to me and Kyle (John) Innis by the end of the day Tuesday.
Quiz improvements
Thanks for all your feedback today. Here are some altered questions that less ambiguously express the challenge I intended.
In part one, if the passage had read:
There has been a rash of termite infestations in the neighborhood. Nobody wants their house to be eaten by termites, so all residents with wooden homes should have their houses inspected by a qualified exterminator.
It might have been more clearly an argument (albeit with an advisory as its conclusion).
Likewise some of you thought the Epictetus example was not an argument, because strictly speaking the author of the passage simply reports Epictetus's argument. The instructions did ask whether the passage CONTAINED an argument, which it does, but that's not a nuance I was intending to test you on. Better: “Death is nothing to us, for that which is dissolved is without sensation, and that which lacks sensation is nothing to us.” – Epictetus. Supply the evident, if controversial, premise that death is dissolution, and explain that the second premise means that we ourselves, when dead, lack sensation, and the argument is pretty good.
For the first Denver example, perhaps if I had quoted a tourist brochure: “We like to call Denver the “mile-high city” because it’s the largest American city at that elevation.” -- tourist brochure it would be clearer that "because" here is more of an explanation than a premise indicator.
Lastly, here's a variant on the Trade Center example that eliminates any temptation to think perhaps there was an attack that left the buildings standing: The attack that destroyed the World Trade Center in New York City occurred in the morning either on September 10th, 2001, or on September 12th of the same year. The towers were still standing at the end of the day on the 10th, so the attack had to have occurred on September 12th.
In part one, if the passage had read:
There has been a rash of termite infestations in the neighborhood. Nobody wants their house to be eaten by termites, so all residents with wooden homes should have their houses inspected by a qualified exterminator.
It might have been more clearly an argument (albeit with an advisory as its conclusion).
Likewise some of you thought the Epictetus example was not an argument, because strictly speaking the author of the passage simply reports Epictetus's argument. The instructions did ask whether the passage CONTAINED an argument, which it does, but that's not a nuance I was intending to test you on. Better: “Death is nothing to us, for that which is dissolved is without sensation, and that which lacks sensation is nothing to us.” – Epictetus. Supply the evident, if controversial, premise that death is dissolution, and explain that the second premise means that we ourselves, when dead, lack sensation, and the argument is pretty good.
For the first Denver example, perhaps if I had quoted a tourist brochure: “We like to call Denver the “mile-high city” because it’s the largest American city at that elevation.” -- tourist brochure it would be clearer that "because" here is more of an explanation than a premise indicator.
Lastly, here's a variant on the Trade Center example that eliminates any temptation to think perhaps there was an attack that left the buildings standing: The attack that destroyed the World Trade Center in New York City occurred in the morning either on September 10th, 2001, or on September 12th of the same year. The towers were still standing at the end of the day on the 10th, so the attack had to have occurred on September 12th.
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Logic Essay, Phase One
Etymologically, an essay is an attempt, an effort to accomplish something. In this essay you will be trying to construct a logically compelling (cogent or sound) argument for some particular conclusion.
Before we get to any of that, however, I first want you to specify a topic of interest, one which you think might contain a claim that needs proving. In choosing this topic, I will ask you to steer clear of grand themes and hot-button issues; we’re not yet accomplished enough logicians to settle matters like the nature of the universe or the morality of the death penalty. Such issues are so complex, or so fraught with pre-packaged rhetoric in popular discourse, that you are unlikely to make headway with them in one semester. Choose something a little more modest and manageable, but still of interest to yourself, and of possible wider interest to other thoughtful and curious people.
Send me an email, CC-ing Kyle (AKA John) Innis, before 5pm this Friday, September 21, proposing a topic. Notice that I do not yet want a thesis (the conclusion to your argument) – that will be Phase Two. Speak with Kyle in person or on email if you are stumped for ideas.
Before we get to any of that, however, I first want you to specify a topic of interest, one which you think might contain a claim that needs proving. In choosing this topic, I will ask you to steer clear of grand themes and hot-button issues; we’re not yet accomplished enough logicians to settle matters like the nature of the universe or the morality of the death penalty. Such issues are so complex, or so fraught with pre-packaged rhetoric in popular discourse, that you are unlikely to make headway with them in one semester. Choose something a little more modest and manageable, but still of interest to yourself, and of possible wider interest to other thoughtful and curious people.
Send me an email, CC-ing Kyle (AKA John) Innis, before 5pm this Friday, September 21, proposing a topic. Notice that I do not yet want a thesis (the conclusion to your argument) – that will be Phase Two. Speak with Kyle in person or on email if you are stumped for ideas.
Friday, September 16, 2011
Kyle's Hours
A reminder that Kyle Innis will be on the ground floor of the library on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6:30 to talk with you about logic, sort out blogging problems, or work through exercise sets with you. He is your first line of assistance if you are having any difficulty with the course, or just want to boost your confidence with a little review. Watch this space for possible changes in this schedule later on.
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