Lesson 7: Flaw Questions

Question 1

key words

Answer 1

Flaw
Vulnerable to criticism
error in reasoning

Question 2

Step 1
read the question and Id the question type

Answer 2

QS will tell you there is an assumption and the ACs will address the flaw.

** does not tell you how the AC relates to the flaw

Question 3

Step 2
argument analysis

Answer 3

ID and asses the conclusion
Distill the evidence
find the assumption

Question 4

Step 3
Go to ACs

Answer 4

the language in the AC indicates the way that it relates to the flaw (deconstruct each AC)

Question 5

Ways to deconstruct the AC (4 ways)

Answer 5

evidence to conclusion separators (flow words)
common flaws & argumentative tactics
Header: you forgot something
Header: you assumed something

Question 6

Evidence to conclusion separators (flow words)

Answer 6

identify the parts of the AC that describe the conclusion and evidence of the argument
- compare the conclusion part of the AC to the conclusion part from the argument
- then compare the evidence part of the AC from the E in the evidence

infers from (E) that (C)
Infers that (C) from (E)
Takes (E) to be (C)
Draws a (C) based (E)
(C) on the basis (E)
Uses (E) (C)

Question 7

Common tactics

Answer 7

know common flaws and argumentative tactics

Question 8

Header: You forgot something

Answer 8

describes the flaw by identifying what the argument forgets
highlight the header
read through the rest as if it were an AC to a weaken question
prefer strong language

Question 9

Assumes: you assumed something

Answer 9

describes the flaw by identifying what the argument assumes
highlight the header
read the rest as if it were an AC to an assumption necessary question
prefer weak language and use the negation test

Fails to, takes for granted, presumes/presupposes