Week 5: Rhetorical Analysis/Logical Fallacies

Practical Argument Readings:

• Chapter 5: “Understanding Logic and Recognizing Fallacies” (89-126)

Presentations:

Check frequently for added links

• Common Logical Fallacies (Auburn University)

Resources:

"Why Bambi Must Go"
"Citizenship to Go"
"UC Problem: When Academics Are Advocates"
"When All Else Fails, Rob the Poor"
"A Big Ask"
"Tutor Trouble"
"Catholics Won't Go Quietly"
"In Arizona, More Birther Buffoonery"

Discussion Questions:

• Review one of the political videos in last week's agenda post for logical fallacies.  Which ones can you find?  How likely do you think the average viewer would be to notice them?  How do they effect your own perception of the effectiveness of the speech?
  
• Choose one of the editorials listed in the Resources section above.  Using the "Template for Rhetorical Analysis" on page 85 of PA as a model, write a brief analysis of your selected reading.
• Choose one of the editorials listed in the Resources section above.  Answer the "Identifying the Elements of Deductive Argument" questions on page 102 of PA of the "Identifying the Elements of Inductive Argument" questions on page 112 of PA.  Explain why you selected the set of questions you did.
• Choose one of the editorials listed in the Resources section above and analyze it for rhetorical fallacies.  Identify the fallacies in the article and explain how and why the writer uses them and whether they undermine his/her overall argument.