...that Kyle must have the same negative attitudes such as arrogant and self-centered just like the other members of SEALs because he was one of them. This is clearly an inductive reasoning because it was based on someone’s opinion and thought. All the nine critical reading standards which are clarity, accuracy, precision, relevance, depth, breadth, logic, significance and fairness are not being applied in this situation. There is also a logical fallacy in this situation which is hasty generalization. Hasty generalization is a statement that asserts all or most things of a certain kind have a certain quality or characteristic. Taya drew a conclusion that all Navy SEALs had the negative attitudes in themselves just because her brother-in-law was like...
Words: 1231 - Pages: 5
...Logic Main article: Logic Logic is the study of the principles of correct reasoning. Arguments use either deductive reasoning or inductive reasoning. Deductive reasoning is when, given certain statements (called premises), other statements (called conclusions) are unavoidably implied. Rules of inferences from premises include the most popular method, modus ponens, where given “A” and “If A then B”, then “B” must be concluded. A common convention for a deductive argument is the syllogism. An argument is termed valid if its conclusion does indeed follow from its premises, whether the premises are true or not, while an argument is sound if its conclusion follows from premises that are true. Propositional logic uses premises that are propositions, which are declarations that are either true or false, while predicate logic uses more complex premises called formulae that contain variables. These can be assigned values or can be quantified as to when they apply with the universal quantifier (always apply) or the existential quantifier (applies at least once). Inductive reasoning makes conclusions or generalizations based on probabilistic reasoning. For example, if “90% of humans are right-handed” and “Joe is human” then “Joe is probably right-handed”. Fields in logic include mathematical logic (formal symbolic logic) and philosophical logic. Metaphysics Main article: Metaphysics Metaphysics is the study of the most general features of reality, such as existence, time, the relationship...
Words: 1835 - Pages: 8
...author says about logic, and how we can apply it to our cognitive source with the attempt of improving our thinking. When discussing logic, the author breaks his introductory topics into two categories; fallacies and definitions. Each of these also has three or more sub-categories. We will be able to take these fallacies and definitions and apply them to recognizing good logic, and poor logic. The first one I will bring up is the term Fallacy. The author defines a fallacy as, “a logical mistake in reasoning, especially one that it is tempting to make.” He tells us that what most of us define as fallacy is incorrect, at least for logical purposes. When it does not apply to logic, folks tend to think of a mistake, unbelief, or a sentence that just isn’t true all as being fallacy. He does not stop there. There are 4+ categories of fallacies in logic. The 1st one is called a petition principii which simply means, “to beg the question.” One can clearly see certain illogical statements as being fallacy when the premise is just the same, or has the same definition as the conclusion. Some even frame questions as such to answer any direct answer would be stating the premise to be true. (In response to your question in the essay, Mr. Slinker, I would have to answer with a question, “why do you think I’ve been beating my wife, and what proof do you have?”) The 2nd type of fallacy given is called ad hominem which reasonably states that instead of directing the argument toward the conclusion...
Words: 954 - Pages: 4
...somehow it became inherently possible that over three billion of the earths’ population today believe in God—whether He be called Jehovah, Yahweh, Allah or the Great I Am. What remains is the time immortal question which mankind has been left to reason: Is it necessary to prove His existence? This paper serves to clearly answer the question, using logic, reason and evidence to support, that it is not necessary to prove the existence of God. Demonstrated within this paper will be the arguments of proof, or the proof of God, that is, an address of the cosmological, ontological and origination by design theories of existence, with centering on the ontological theory. Further contained will be assessments of existence as is inherently essential to evaluate the matter of necessary existence. An address of evidence, as applied to both the proof and existence of God will conclude this paper, save a summation at the conclusion. Before we address the topic question at hand, we must first ask ourselves—what, or who, is God? There are countless possible answers to this question, and no one answer can be definitively the standard...
Words: 3104 - Pages: 13
...In this essay, I will argue that managers are not morally responsible for the happiness of their employees. I will offer various arguments and potential counterarguments from differing schools of thought and ultimately conclude in agreement with Milton Friedman’s shareholder approach to business ethics. It is not the responsibility of the managers to worry about anyone’s interest besides the owners of the company (within the confines of the law), but in many cases, what is best for employees may also be best for the shareholder. I will begin by discussing Friedman’s view through a broad definition and example, then apply it to the question of a manager’s responsibility. I will then present the means of happiness as an employee along with the...
Words: 1936 - Pages: 8
...MeeksShawna BandmannMay, 24,2013 | | Ethics is best described as the difference between what is morally right and what is not right. Ethical theory defines what is perceived to be right and what is wrong, while ethical practice suggest that one’s environment and cultural beliefs determine who one will react in any given situation. The question how do we as a society decide what is morally right or wrong in moral “free choice” (Mosser, 2010)? Morals are unique to each person, culture, religious belief and environment. Ethical practice is defined by the diversity within each society, where no to people are alike. Morals don’t define ethics, ethics define morality. Abortion an age old ethical debate between moral right choice and wrong choice, why? To evaluate abortion with ethics, we must first understand the argument from all perspectives. What is the debate reason abortion is so fiercely argued in past and present generations? Abortion is the term to define the choice to terminate a woman’s pregnancy. Unitarian view, which is the view that relativist challenge. Utilitarian view suggest that abortion is not wrong because its selfish and benefits the mother not the unborn fetus, this is what Unitarians refer to as :ethical egoism”(Mosser,2010). Relativist view is just a little less judgmental, suggesting that some situations may be determined morally correct while others simply remain wrong. In this paper neither the argument that neither the Unitarian view nor the Relativist...
Words: 1698 - Pages: 7
...Metaethics Metaethics is a branch of analytic philosophy that explores the status, foundations, and scope of moral values, properties, and words. Whereas the fields of applied ethics and normative theoryfocus on what is moral, metaethics focuses on what morality itself is. Just as two people may disagree about the ethics of, for example, physician-assisted suicide, while nonetheless agreeing at the more abstract level of a general normative theory such as Utilitarianism, so too may people who disagree at the level of a general normative theory nonetheless agree about the fundamental existence and status of morality itself, or vice versa. In this way, metaethics may be thought of as a highly abstract way of thinking philosophically about morality. For this reason, metaethics is also occasionally referred to as “second-order” moral theorizing, to distinguish it from the “first-order” level of normative theory. Metaethical positions may be divided according to how they respond to questions such as the following: * Ÿ What exactly are people doing when they use moral words such as “good” and “right”? * Ÿ What precisely is a moral value in the first place, and are such values similar to other familiar sorts of entities, such as objects and properties? * Ÿ Where do moral values come from—what is their source and foundation? * Ÿ Are some things morally right or wrong for all people at all times, or does morality instead vary from person to person, context to context...
Words: 21310 - Pages: 86
...Introduction In today’s world there are many different thinking styles and different ways of decision making. Thinking styles can be categorized into four groups which are scientific, persuasive, creative, and logical. Individuals use these types of thinking styles to make decisions in their professional life as well as personal. Many times the way people approach the different methods of thinking come from what they have learned when they were children. This comes from experiences in which they might have been involved or witnessed growing up. In this paper we will compare and contrast three of the four thinking styles, which will be Logic, persuasive and creative. By learning the different thinking styles people can become better at analyzing and decision making. Compare and contrast three types of thinking All three of these thinking styles have differences, similarities, and weaknesses. Creative thinkers use the left side of his or her brain, while logical thinkers developed data using the right side of his or her brain. People, by means of additional artistic mind-set as creative thinkers are said to think in on the side practices, and pay less notice to association than somebody who found decisions nearer to scientific techniques as logical thinkers that emphasis on developing information in a regulation method. Creative thinkers use perception, logic, and comprehending life surround him or her as said by dissimilar circumstances. But, logical thinkers are likely to...
Words: 1266 - Pages: 6
...Organisations can gain a competitive advantage through managing people effectively. “Achieving competitive success through people involves fundamentally altering how we think about the workforce and the employment relationship.” (Pfeffer, 2005) Pfeffer argues that wage compression and symbolic egalitarianism are practise that can be used in order to gain a competitive edge. Wage compression is flattening out the differentials between the highest and lowest paid jobs. Wage compression can create a sense of teamwork, collaboration and cooperation. Symbolic egalitarianism can signal to insiders and outsiders that there is a comparative equality within the organisation. This is done by diminishing status distinctions, for example eliminating executive dining rooms and not having reserved parking spaces for certain employees (Standford University, 1994). Pfeffer’s arguments can be valid however they can also be questionable, in whether they are the right practices to use. Culture, job factors and organisational context are important aspects to consider in determining whether these practises may or may not work. Pfeffer’s rationale and casual logic for wage compression is that by “reducing interpersonal competition and enhancing cooperation, can lead to effective gains.” (Pfeffer, 2005) Although Pfeffer recognises that large differences in rewards can increase motivation and improve performance, Pfeffer believes that wage compression can produce a higher overall performance, as...
Words: 1779 - Pages: 8
...The Power of Logic The Power of Logic FOU RTH E DITION Frances Howard-Snyder Daniel Howard-Snyder Ryan Wasserman WESTERN WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY Published by McGraw-Hill, an imprint of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc., 1221 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10020. Copyright © 2009, 2005, 2002, 1999, by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or distributed in any form or by any means, or stored in a database or retrieval system, without the prior written consent of The McGrawHill Companies, Inc., including, but not limited to, in any network or other electronic storage or transmission, or broadcast for distance learning. This book is printed on acid-free paper. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 DOC/DOC 0 9 8 ISBN: 978-0-07-340737-1 MHID: 0-07-340737-2 Editor in Chief: Michael Ryan Editorial Director: Beth Mejia Sponsoring Editor: Mark Georgiev Marketing Manager: Pamela Cooper Editorial Coordinator: Briana Porco Production Editors: Melissa Williams/Melanie Field, Strawberry Field Publishing Cover Designer: Ashley Bedell Cover Photo: © Dan Trist/Corbis Media Project Manager: Thomas Brierly Production Supervisor: Louis Swaim Composition: This text was set in 10.5/12.5 Goudy by Aptara, Inc. Printing: Printed on 45# New Era Matte by R.R. Donnelley & Sons, Inc. Credits: The credits section for this book is on page 647, following the Answer Key in the back of the book, and is considered an extension of the copyright page. ...
Words: 173379 - Pages: 694
...developing the discipline to assess contradictions and known facts to make a decision. They cannot make a decision without believing in the facts of the argument. This is the impact of critical thinking in a decision-making environment. In the work environment, everything is determined by the ability to think and make decisions. However, at times, there can be a lack of awareness of how one should make decisions and unfortunately, the absence of clear thinking can lead to failure both in one’s professional and personal lives. Results from decision from not thinking clear will lead to frustration and in some cases, complete failure. To avoid failure and become a better thinker, critical thinking needs to be applied to every aspect of life. It can lead to performing more effectively both in personal and professional lives by empowering oneself. It can lead to avoiding huge mistakes, help to gain clarity and give one the opportunity to discover new opportunities. The process for individuals in which they analyze their own thoughts, actions, and decisions is called critical thinking. It requires the use of knowledge, acquisition of information, and the evaluation of the collected information. A critical thinker considers the alternatives and makes a decision by simply applying reasoning and logic. When concerning the decision making process,...
Words: 706 - Pages: 3
...understanding?” In order to examine this question, a close look at the concepts of knowledge and understanding must take place. The first task is to define the two parts of thinking, both knowledge and understanding. In the simplest terms, knowledge is facts and understanding is meaning that is given to those facts. However, there is objectivity and subjectivity to consider in relation to both knowledge and understanding. First, knowledge can be considered more objective because it is raw facts, and not subject to a person’s interpretation of facts or what the knowledge “means.” This is because what the knowledge “means” will be different for different people. In other words, understanding is subjective because it is based on a person’s unique human emotions, opinions and judgments. This is how understanding is interpreted for the person, and how raw knowledge is turned into something more meaningful for the person who learns a new fact. It can be argued that understanding will always require some level of subjectivity. What this means is a fact can not be fully “understood” unless it is put through the filter of a person’s own experience. This is naturally a subjective process. However, without knowledge, understanding could not occur. It is clear that both types of human thinking are important to human development and advancing society that is based on critical reasoning. However, one or the other must be chosen in order to properly answer the question. Therefore, based on the readings...
Words: 1646 - Pages: 7
... it is a flaw in argument that may be intentionally created by a person who has an agenda or may be due to a simple error. On the other hand, Fischer (1970; p. 306) in contrast with fallacy explains logic as follows: “Logic is not everything. But it is something something which can be taught, something which can be learned, something which can help us in some degree to think more sensibly about the dangerous world in which we live.” Logical fallacies are commonly used in order to manipulate a situation or worse when an individual does not recognize the fallacies in the argument, he can be manipulated during the decision making process. As such it is necessary for every individual to use critical thinking particularly during the decision-making process for him or her to become aware of logical fallacies and how these relate to decision-making. Critical thinking as against logical fallacies is a process being used particularly in resolving a problem. It is a mental process of analyzing and evaluating information such as statements or propositions being offered as truth. This process involves reflection of the meaning of statements given, examinations of evidence and reasoning offered and formulation of judgments about the facts (Paul, R. and Elder L. 2002). One of the most significant attributes of the critical thinking is its ability to summarize the complex ideas clearly with fairness to all sides. On the other hand “logical fallacies as defined can hinder the critical...
Words: 1585 - Pages: 7
...Should terminally ill patients be allowed to choose? Should terminally-ill patients have the right to choose when to end their own suffering? There have been many debates and numerous amounts of case-law on the subject of physician-assisted suicide, yet it still remains a topic of medical ethics versus a patient's right to choose. Physicians are trained to heal the sick, care for the injured, and cure diseases. However, medical school does not prepare them when they cannot cure or heal their patient and the patient wants to die instead of continue to suffer. These decisions are individual and family decisions that should be taken into consideration by medical professionals. The debate between ethics and patient care and choice is s difficult one. "The debate over rights of conscience in health care has often focused on controversial issues at life’s margins such as abortion and decisions at the end of life" (Cheshire, 2011, p. 140). When a person has attempted all means of medical intervention available today and all the medical profession is able to do for them is keep them comfortable until that time comes for them to pass, inane human rights should allow that person to decide if they would like to humanely end their own suffering. I believe that there is both legal justification and a moral obligation of medical professionals to legalize the practice of physician-assisted suicide. In ancient times, physician assisted suicide was frequently seen as a way to protect one’s...
Words: 2227 - Pages: 9
...Capital Punishment; Revenge or Desert? A Study of Capital Punishment And the Moral Dilemmas it Presents MODR 1760 Professor Dr. Jason C. Robinson March 31, 2014 Capital punishment is the legal process whereby a person is put to death by the state, as a means of punishment for having committed a capital crime. In this essay, I will discuss some of the main advantages and disadvantages of capital punishment and whether capital punishment is a morally and ethically viable approach to punishment. I hold a firmly retentionist position and believe that the most just and fitting punishment for one who has committed a capital offence would be the death penalty. I will support my position with statistics showing that capital punishment has successfully been used to deter people from committing capital crimes. As well, I will discuss various philosophies regarding the morals of execution and punishment in general. My goal in writing this paper is not to force abolitionist thinkers to change their position with regards to capital punishment, but rather to show abolitionist thinkers that there is another way to look at capital punishment. Two of the main principles that are used to support the retentionist philosophy are deterrence and retributivism. Deterrence is the theory that the death penalty is morally just because it will deter would-be murderers from committing capital crimes, which carry a sentence of execution. Retributivism is the idea that criminals should be punished...
Words: 2523 - Pages: 11
