Joe comes to work without glasses everyday. Joe is great as shooting pool after work. Joe must have great eyesight.
The premise can be true, but the conclusion false. The premise is strong because this is something that can be observed regularly. The argument is weak because the conclusion is weak. Many people don’t wear glasses regularly, but wear contacts instead.
AI think it is interesting how we can draw conclusions so quickly based on limited information or premise. In this way we often make arguments that may be considered weak if one were to analysis the argument more closely. However, we assume that people are telling us the truth. This assumption, while often true, can be misleading. We read things on the Internet, watching stories on TV, or hear commentary on the radio that has been sensationalized. This is when the ability to test an arguments components can become increasingly helpful.
I agree with how you think that we can draw conclusions quickly based on limited information. Limited information can lead to misunderstandings. But we are so exposed to information we cannot distinguish between what is true and what is false. We have so many sources we see, hear things everyday. I agree that we have to get/learn the ability to test arguments to effectively understand things. It makes it easier to have a better understanding about any arguments. Your example is good too. The conclusion has very little to do with the first two statements. But your reasoning for a false conclusion is true. People do wear contacts instead of glasses.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with you that we tend to draw conclusions too quickly. I think we all do it at some point whether we realize it or not. I like how your example reflects exactly what you concluded in your post; it is very easy to look at someone and make whatever conclusion based on what you are seeing without really knowing the real facts. I also agree that television, and any other kinds of media do affect us in the way we see things. It tends to influence us; not always necesarily in a good way. Overall your post was I thought really good.
ReplyDeleteI also agree with you on the fact that we all come to conclusions to quickly, often time making false judgements. This can be for anything like how you judge a person or even how you judge a certain situation. Last week was poker night at a friend's house, and some friends of my friend who I hadn't met before attended. At first glance I thought these kids were some wannabe gang bangers, which they kinda did look like. I didn't really want anything to do with them, but as the night progressed I got to know them a lot better and was totally surprised to learn that they were good guys to hang out with. Lesson learned. Don't judge a book by its cover!
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