Philosophical arguments

G.E. Moore addresses the idea of philosophical skepticism. His counter argument implements the use of common sense and the idea of a premise that requires no proof as it is "known" to be true. However this means that Moore begs the question when he arrives at his conclusion. Moore explains he can rigorously prove the existence of two hands, by simply holding up his two hands. He mentions that as he makes a certain gesture saying "Here is one hand" (G.E Moore 197) and then by simply mentioning…

If a teacher does not wish to be reprimanded, his or her students will all have to do well on the tests. In order to be sure that this happens, teachers will teach to the tests. They will focus not on creative writing, but rather on the type of writing that the test scorers will want to see. Instead of taking field trips, students will be practicing analogies and test taking skills. Literature will not be read intensively, but will instead be skimmed for the main points in order to answer…

The feud between Apple and the FBI has received a substantial amount of media coverage lately. The legal arguments for each side appear to be equally laudable, which impelled investigate on my own. I decided to explore the question of whether or not Apple should produce a back-door to assist in the FBI’s investigation. The FBI, which initiated the debate, argued that Apple has to comply citing the All Writs Act of 1789. Apple refuses to comply stating that if the back-door was to be produced and…

In their work over the past ten years, Malcom Gladwell and Steven Pinker have presented their research and hypotheses regarding the unexpected implications of contemporary social issues. Specifically, their respective views on preventing criminal activity and disproving the growing concerns in regards to society’s reliance on mass media. In an excerpt from Malcom Gladwell’s The Tipping Point, the author analyzes the application of a theory known as “the tipping point”. Likewise, Steven Pinker’s…

various regulations upon those that frack for natural gas. Leading to the point where the fracking industry is called into question about their doing by Josh Fox in his documentary Gasland that sways public perception to be negative over the fracking argument.…

Differentiating Between Valid and Invalid Forms of Propositional Arguments Pages 164 – 175 of the textbook focuses on assessing valid forms versus invalid forms of propositional forms. It provides a brief description of what would be considered a valid argument and invalid argument. A valid argument passes the proper form test, while an invalid argument fails it. Five of the nine most used propositional arguments discusses are valid arguments. These valid forms include: the denying a disjunct,…

Tamar Demby develops her position by stating that Applebaum relies too much on emotional appeal, doesn't back up her claims and doesn't support her ethos. Demby gives examples of everything she mentioned that didn't make Applebaum article and more effective. After mentioning this, Demby moves onto give examples of the writer's use of ethos by saying that she is only “journalist rather than a nuclear physicist or someone with credentials”. Next the student explains that the writer lacked a “fact…

claim, along with support from anecdotes that build upon the pathos utilized throughout her article. However, while Burkett’s use of pathos strongly supports her argument, as does her credible background as a woman, she puts forth very few facts to create a solid logos core for her topic. As a result of this missing logos core, Burkett’s argument falls short from proving the point that women and men are equal and should be treated so. The genre that of this article is descriptive…

(supported by many other previous studies) found that diet drinks may be worse than sugar-sweetened drinks.” By making reference to a study that supports his argument, it helps establish a strong sense of credibility. It is evident document #1 is not just basing its information on nothing, which in return establishes additional credibility to its argument. It is also evident by referencing this study that professional experts specialized in this specific field share the same perspective. Though…

Persuasion relies on means of communication that influences beliefs, attitudes, and values. Philosophers throughout the course of history have encountered many dilemmas involving such. Galileo Galilei, an Italian philosopher is a prime example of a man who faced resistance in his act of persuasion. Considering his background, Galileo’s agenda was to argue the value of the Bible against the many discoveries of science. His pro science position, created a discrepancy amongst the people. Showing…