Theoretical Framework

And Logical Proof

What is the point?

Theoretical frameworks will help you form strong, articulate arguments

Logical proofs will also do this, but give you ideas of how to structure your essay effectively too

BA 5 and You

BA5 Due Tuesday, 3/8

Choose one of the following articles, and in a 400-600 word essay, identify and analyze the author’s use of logical support and how the support helps frame the writer’s theoretical framework. “Iraq and the Democratic Peace: Who Says Democracies Don’t Fight?”

(501-505) “The Tragedy of the Commoners: Biotechnology and its Publics” (540-

547) “Why Marriage Today Takes More Love, Work – from Both Partners”

(419-421) Describe the author's framework.  Consider the following:

What types of evidence do the authors use? How does this evidence demonstrate the authors’ ideology.

Be sure to use evidence from the text itself to support your evaluations.

Length: 400 - 600 words Format: MLA style for in-text citations and works cited.

Theoretical Framework

Theoretical Framework

Made up of ideologies Ideologies are basic values, beliefs,

assumptions about life, the world, and the universe

Most apparent through Commonplaces Rhetorical Situation

Commonplaces

Also known as “common knowledge” Commonly believed by members of a

community Only common amongst specific groups Different between different groups Often so common they don’t seem to be

commonplaces Contested commonplaces are often big

issues

Examples of commonplaces

Everyone drives on the right side of the road Everyone drive a car Roads are only meant for cars

What are the underlying values here?

What is the point?

Commonplace create an I-them dichotomy

Commonplaces create an other These vary by culture, community, region,

nation, et c.

Now you try…

Naming one of your commonplaces What is the underlying value here? What is the “other” ? Who would fit an example of that other?

Rhetorical Situation

Made up of The topic of discussion, the issue The audience and their relationship to the

issue The speaker/writer, their reputation, and their

relationship to the issue

Rhetorical Situations

This class What is the topic? Who is the audience and what is their

relationship to the topic? Who is the speaker, what is their reputation,

and what is their reputation to the topic?

Rhetorical Situations 2

A news (anchor) report on graffiti What is the topic? Who is the audience and what is their

relationship to the topic? Who is the speaker, what is their reputation,

and what is their reputation to the topic?

Logical ProofAlso known as types of evidence (something you need to discuss in BA5)

Logical proofs

Make up logos

Most commonly seen as Deductions Induction Enthymemes Rhetorical Examples Historical Example Fictional Example Analogy Similar and Contrary Examples Maxims Signs

Deductions

Also known as “reasoning” Moving from something general to something

specific to show similarity

Deduction Cont’d

Example: All people are mortal Charlie Sheen is a person Therefore, Charlie Sheen is mortal

Structured as Major Premise Minor Premise Conclusion

Induction

Opposite of deduction

Move from specific to general Structured as

Minor Premise Major Premise Conclusion

Example Charlie Sheen is a person All people are mortal Therefore, Charlie Sheen is mortal

Enthymemes

A fancy word for syllogisms which is a fancy word for deductive argument

Structured Major Premise Minor Premise Conclusion

Example Think Different Apple is different Think Apple

Rhetorical Examples

Examples that can apply to anyone or anything in that same class

For example, A specific teacher who everyone can relate to

having had A particular friend that everyone can relate to

having

Historical Examples

Usually successful when used Show precedent—example of present

situation occurring in the past For Example

This war in Iraq is going to be long and drawn out similar to other wars the US has been involved in, such as Vietnam, Korea, and World War II

Fictional Example

An imaginary example—fictitious Meant to:

show how something could happen (hypothetical)

or teach a moral For example

The lion and the mouse, The tortoise and the hair

Analogy

Using one hypothetical example compared to another to show similarities or differences

For example, It is silly to argue that leaders should be

chosen by balloting as it would be to argue that Olympic athletes or the pilots of planes should be chosen by chance

Similar and Contrary Examples

Comparing to like things: simile Comparing unlike things: contraries The purpose is to show how the two are

similar or different and try to figure out why they are different

Maxims

Wise sayings that are generally accepted In a community

Tend to build off of or work with commonplaces

For example, An apple a day keeps the doctor away What is the underlying value here?

Signs

Physical facts or real events that usually accompany some other event or situation

For example A fever usually means you are sick Failed negotiations usually mean an altercation will

ensue Uncharacteristically using big words is often a sign of

trying to sound smarter Asking about family is a sign of kindness and respect

If you haven't done it, do it.

Read the section out of chapter 5 that deals with argument.

Read the section in chapter 6 about logical proofs

Argument Clinic

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kQFKtI6gn9Y

Practice

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xVsl6r5d-ds

Try to locate any Logical Proofs used in this speech

Just because…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vLjN2I3xQ4w&feature=related

BA5 Due Tuesday, 3/8

Choose one of the following articles, and in a 400-600 word essay, identify and analyze the author’s use of logical support and how the support helps frame the writer’s theoretical framework. “Iraq and the Democratic Peace: Who Says

Democracies Don’t Fight?” (501-505) “The Tragedy of the Commoners: Biotechnology

and its Publics” (540-547) “Why Marriage Today Takes More Love, Work –

from Both Partners” (419-421)

BA5 Due Tuesday, 3/8

Describe the author's framework.  Consider the following: What types of evidence do the authors use? How does this evidence demonstrate the authors’

ideology. Be sure to use evidence from the text itself to support

your evaluations. Length: 400 - 600 words Format: MLA style for in-text citations and works cited.

Drop Date

The last day to drop a class without penalty is March 23rd.

Think hard before making a decision.