Please see attachment (Kim Woods) Only

Least 200 words

U1

One of the first steps in learning to think critically will be organizing an argument. This will help in finding main ideas, following a series of logic, and checking on the effectiveness of the argument’s structure. This unit’s discussion will give you a chance to see how you organize can an argument and how you may evaluate the audience for an argument.

For this discussion, you will establish an argument with three premises and a conclusion in order to invite a friend or family member to a social event, such as meeting for coffee, attending a local community activity, going to a movie, or having dinner. The conclusion you will want them to reach should be similar to: “You should come with me to X.”

The premises are reasons that support your conclusion. For some friends, they are always up for your suggestions, so they will not need much convincing. However, in this case, you will want to offer three premises that are distinct reasons to make a case that leads them to agree to your conclusion.

You’ll study specific ideas to build skills in persuasion, but for now you should devise three premises that can call your friend to action. Think of this friend and what may be most useful in reaching them.

Present the argument with three premises, each on one line, then the conclusion at the end. Then follow up the argument by explaining why you selected the premises you did, and how you believe these are the most effective reasons to get your friend to accept your conclusion (and your invitation). Remember to aim for the 200-word count requirement for the original discussion reply. 

Premise 1:

Premise 2:

Premise 3:

Conclusion:

Explanation:

U2

Confirmation bias can prevent exposure to ideas from another perspective. Sometimes people are concerned that hearing another point of view may be a challenge or a frustration, and so they may seek a path of only listening to those who disagree. As a result, one may become ignorant on an issue because information is avoided. One may refuse to consider another perspective and may “dig in” on their present position, even in the face of contrary evidence, also known as cognitive dissonance. 

To answer these questions, you do not need to name a political position on any issue, but generally consider whether the people closest to you agree or disagree with you. 

What are some ways that you may stay insulated in perspectives that are similar to your own? How might you benefit from hearing counter-arguments or different points of view? If someone does disagree, how can you conquer confirmation bias or cognitive dissonance in the middle of a discussion, so that you can have a constructive conversation?

U3

For this discussion, you’ll investigate Aristotle’s “Three Proofs”–ethos, pathos, and logos. Aristotle argues that each needs to be in place for an argument to be truly effective. Give one example of where have you seen each method of persuasion used in advertising–either print, online, or in video. 

Start by defining each of the proofs using the readings or other research you might add. Use and cite sources to help build your credibility in the definitions. Then put the ideas into your own words. How do you understand these ideas?

Introduce one advertising example each for ethos, pathos and logos. Of these three ads, which were effective in their persuasion? Which were ineffective? How can you discern the difference?

HU345: Critical Thinking

Discussion 1

Sample Argument Form

Premise 1: Alex, I know you’ve been stressed, and I heard on a podcast that people who spend more time in nature have lower rates of stress.

Premise 2: The weather this weekend is warm, but not too hot, and there’s no chance for rain.

Premise 3: I remember your New Year’s Resolution was to do more things that are out of your comfort zone.

Conclusion: Therefore, you should go hiking with me this weekend.

Explanation: I have been trying to get my friend Alex to go hiking with me for a while. She was feeling motivated to try new things at the start of the year, but she’s had some challenges at work, and it’s made her a bit down. I think the hike would be good for her for a variety of reasons, but I want to make suggestions in my premises that will address her reasons why she doesn’t want to go.

These premises are meant to take her to my conclusion. First, she’s been under a lot of pressure at work and with her family. She’s mentioned her stress level to me, so she opened the door to this appeal. She likes to hear what I am listening to in podcasts, so I think it would be nice to give her a piece of new information that is relevant to her present state. Second, Alex hates to be too hot, but I also know she is afraid of getting rained on when she’s doing things outside. The mention of the weather is to assuage her concern before she brings it up. Finally, she was feeling very ambitious and excited about this change before the grind of daily life got her off course. We’ve been friends for a long time, so I feel comfortable reminding her that she’s given up her New Year’s Resolution, just as she could do for me.