Introduction to Logic and Argumentation

       “I argue very well. Ask any of my remaining friends. I can win an argument on any topic, against any opponent. People know this, and steer clear of me at parties. Often, as a sign of their great respect, they don't even invite me.” Dave Barry

Objectives:

Understand the components of an academic argument

Understand how appeals are used for persuasion

Understand the logic of the syllogism Identify the elements of the enthymeme

Argumentation and persuasion

According to Aristotle, rhetoric is "the ability, in each particular case, to see the available means of persuasion."

We are persuaded by a variety of stimuli— What we see, what we feel, what we believe,

what we hear in academic persuasion, we focus on the

emotional, logical, and credibility of the speaker.

How does this relate to me and my future? Logic is one type of critical thinking that

spans different disciplines:MathematicsComputer SciencePhilosophy, etc…

Theories of Analyzing Argumentation There are many theories/models about logical

argumentation: Aristotle Toulmin Rogerian, etc…

What’s really important is the idea that LOGICALLY sound, EVIDENCED, WELL-WRITTEN arguments are most effective. Likewise, we want to be able to evaluate the logic and the methods of arguments.

Remember: There were originally three major purposes for rhetoric: to praise/blame to argue a judicial case (argue guilt or

innocence) to deliberate on legislative issues (argue

policies and procedures of government -- early democracy)

Aristotle described the appeals a person would use to persuade his or her audience as logos/ethos/pathos.

Aristotle took issue with the tendency for people to rely on pathos as their method of persuasion. In his time, there was even a name for people who manipulated and thus negatively controlled others’ emotions with pathos: sophists.

Aristotle hoped that all arguments would be grounded in sound logical principles rather than just pathetic appeals…

therefore, the syllogism was born. While Aristotle recognized the need for, and importance of,

emotional appeals, he claimed that the affairs of mankind should be handled through logic since emotions are fickle – they change constantly!

Aristotle hoped that mankind would embrace the logic of the syllogisms for making arguments.

Using the Syllogism to Test Logic Syllogism: a schematic device for

analyzing and testing the reasoning of deductive arguments (usually thesis statements) or ones that move from reason to conclusion.

The syllogism moves from statements to propositions or premises.

The general “formula” of a syllogism is as follows: if A is true (or accepted as valid), and B is true (or accepted

is valid), then C must be true (or accepted as valid).

To use the syllogism to test the validity of a line of reasoning, we may use a simplified form:

The major premise The minor premise The conclusion

The major premise =A generally accepted assumption or proposition The minor premise = An application of the accepted assumption to a particular case The conclusion = A reasonable deduction * Important: to consider an idea a major premise, it has to be

universally accepted (generally accepted) by most rational, logical people. There could be exceptions, but the general principle holds true.

Syllogism Example: All men are mortal the major

premise Socrates is a man the minor

premise Therefore, Socrates is mortal the

conclusion

Example as a “Math Problem”: A B All men are mortal C A Socrates is a man ----------------------------------- C B Socrates is mortal

Inverted Syllogism: (Conclusion + Reasons) Socrates is mortal because he is a man. More Examples: All cats are mammals.

Fluffy is a cat.Therefore, Fluffy is a mammal. Fluffy is a mammal because she’s a cat.

College education promotes critical thinking.

Critical thinking is important for democracy.

Therefore, college education is important for democracy. College education is important for democracy because college education promotes critical thinking.

Activity:

With a partner, generate a list of five general assumptions (major premises). Here are a couple to get you started:

Volunteer workers are good people People want the best for their children College diplomas lead to higher paying jobs

With your partner, turn two of your major premises into syllogisms.Major Premise (universal assumption/statement):

______A____is/are ____B_____ Minor Premise (specific case): ______B____is/are ____C_____ THEREFORE: (conclusion): ______A_____is/are ____C_____ Activity: On your own, create a syllogism. Use the formula below to help you. Good

Luck!

Major Premise (universal assumption/statement): ______A____is/are ____B_____

Minor Premise (specific case): ______B_____is/are ____C____

THEREFORE: (conclusion): ______A____is/are ____C____

Susan speaks eloquently because she studies rhetoric.

“I wanted to serve as President because I love this country and because I love the people of this nation.”—Jimmy Carter, 1980 concession speech

“The gloves didn’t fit. If it doesn’t fit, you must acquit” Johnny Cochran (O.J. Simpson’s attorney)

Ads

In your group, receive an ad. Decide what the argument is. Put the argument in the formula of the

syllogism.

Enthymeme

Conclusion and minor premise of an argument (Major premise is unstated)

Enthymeme is an argument that includes a position on a question at issue and reasons for accepting the position. The enthymeme connects the position and reasons by identifying assumptions or values shared by the writer and the audience.

Ad Example Levis Jeans are best

B/C Levis Jeans come in a variety of styles.

---

Any jeans that come in a variety of styles are better.

B/C a variety of styles allows for choice

Allowing for choice is better

B/C people need choices to find what looks best which will improve their self-esteem

Anything which allows choices to further self-esteem is best.