Ch 4. What Words/Phrases are Ambiguous?

Question 1

Why do you need to know exact terms and phrases?

Answer 1

You cannot react to an argument unless you understand the meaning of crucial terms

Identify precise meanings because it is essential to deciding your opinion on argument

You could have incorrect react other than what author intended and influence whether or not you accept the conclusion

Meaning may appear obvious but it’s not and we often misunderstand

Question 2

Ambiguity

Answer 2

Existence of multiple possible meanings for phrases/words
The more abstract a term, more likely to be ambiguous

Question 3

Obstacles to overcoming ambiguity

Answer 3

1. Assuming you and author mean the same thing: Avoid mind-reading
2. Assuming terms have a singular, obvious definition