Rules for Writers-Ch 48

In Rules for Writers by Diana Hacker the main topic is arguments.  First you want to make sure your tactics are between reasonable and fallacious by staying away from generalizing. You can also test your inductive reasoning by asking yourself if your evidence is sufficient, representative, and relevant. A good argumentative approach is to make analogies by pointing out similarities in things otherwise different. Cause and Effect is another good way to argue your point but you want to be careful of the post hoc fallacy which is when writers think that because one event comes after another, the first causes the second. You also want to make sure your weighing all your options to be fair, and then make assumptions. Finally, you deduce a conclusion by putting things together using deductive reasoning. Three steps of deductive reasoning called Syllogism are the major premise, minor premise, and conclusion.


When evaluating an argument you want to understand the difference between legitimate and unfair emotional appeals. There is nothing wrong with using a emotional appeal as long as it is done right for the right reasons.  Stay away from unfair appeals and biased language. In an argument you will find that by having someone oppose their views it will only help you gain credibility, or learn to make it better. When describing others views watch out for the straw man fallacy which is an oversimplification or distortion of opposing views. When quoting opposing views be sure to explain the context fairly.  


I've learned that it's a good idea to quote the opposing viewers because it is more accurate and fair.  I have also learned that it's important to watch out for emotional appeals because you want to use them in the right way. Arguments are interesting to learn about because they are confusing and challenging there is a lot to learn about them.