Analysis Tools

Question 1

What is a Tautology? Give and Example

Answer 1

Restates the premise as a conclusion.

Ex. Cheating is against to rules and is thus wrong , or it’s raining because its raining

Question 2

What is circular logic? give an example

Answer 2

The conclusion is true because we have already assumed the premise to be true
Ex. Rules must be followed therefore we must follow the rules

Question 3

What is “Begging the question”?

Answer 3

Conclusion lacking in support so it makes you want to ask the question…

Question 4

What is ambiguity?

Answer 4

Arguments that can mean more than one thing at once but don’t specify which meaning they mean

Question 5

What is contradiction?

Answer 5

Arguments that contain claims that cannot be true. They require negation of each other

Question 6

What is vagary and how does it differ from ambiguity?

Answer 6

Arguments that contain claims or phrases for which the meaning is unclear. Different from ambiguity where the meaning is clear but multiple. Here the meaning is unfocused and we are left unsure what the arguer wants to say.

Question 7

What is a Red Herring? Give an example

Answer 7

Shifting the topic off your opponent’s point to a related but irrelevant one you can think you can win.
Ex. Athletic trainer to coach: If this player goes out and plays on her injury, permanent damage will result. Coach: We have to win this game to make playoffs, though.

Question 8

What is the Straw Man?

Answer 8

Countering an argument by inventing one that has’t been made or by mischaracterizing the one you’re countering.