Logic And Political Analysis Flashcards
What is Logic?
It is the principle of valid inference and correct reasoning
What fallacy happens when we assume that the whole is equal to its parts which is not true and leads analysts to often ascribe attributes of some people to the whole population?
Fallacy of composition
Explain the Fallacy of circular reasoning or tautology
This occurs when we use dependent variables as the independent variables, when this happens, we end up ascribing causation to the very phenomenon we want to explain
Which fallacy refers to inappropriate deductions or inductions from reality?
Fallacy of inference
How many types of fallacy of inference do we have? Name them
Three types
1. Post hoc ergo propter hoc- this is a situation where we assume that A caused B just because A preceded B
2. A fortiori- This happens when we assume that observations at one level is also true of the same phenomenon at another level
What does the fallacy of analogy mean?
This means inexact comparison
Explain the two types of Fallacy of analogy
- Fallacy of absolute comparison- this is when we assume that there are literal similarities between the phenomena we compare
- Fallacy of non-falsifiable hypothesis- This occurs when a claim can out be proven or contradicted by factual evidence
“Nigeria will eventually die just like biological organisms do at the end” is an example of what fallacy?
Fallacy of absolute comparison
What are ethics?
Ethics refer to norms or standards that guide any sphere of activity.
What does ethics do for research?
It helps to promote the essence of research which is knowledge production
It ensures accountability on the part of the research
In political analysis, it is necessary to avoid propagating prejudicial or biased analysis
What is the core of the issue of ethics in political analysis?
Analysis must be based on facts or data
What are the research ethics in political analysis?
- Humanistic obligation
- Conflict of Interests
- Consent
- Confidentiality
- Honesty
Which research ethic focuses on treating people with utmost sense of equality and avoiding discrimination in any form, such as condescending remarks or bigotry?
Humanistic obligation
What are values?
Values refer to the preferences, sentiments, and prejudices that affect the production and dissemination of knowledge
How are values manifested in politics analysis?
The nature of data used to analyze politics
The theoretical framework
The research methods
Philosophical orientation of the pol analyst
