Developing and evaluating lines of reasoning Why is evaluation like a set of weighing scales?

Logic The principals of correct reasoning ‘Reasoning’ is the act of thinking about something in a connected, sensible way

Some rules Ideas need to be used to answer a question or make a decision Reasoning should consist of evidence, examples, reasons (because) and opinions or conclusions.

How good is the reasoning? Are reasons given to support an opinion, conclusion or proposal? How logical is the reasoning? Does it use emotion to persuade me instead of reason? Are there gaps in the reasoning? Have they actually made use of the facts and evidence?

Values in reasoning Do you agree with the values? How far? Are they reasonable values? Do these values apply in all circumstances?

How far do you agree with these values? An eye for an eye Killing is wrong People should work for what they have Some people don’t deserve to be helped People are equal The punishment for murder should always be death Are some reasonable even if you disagree with them?

Being illogical How might reasoning be illogical?

P184-185 Create a mind map of ‘illogical reasoning’ read each factor and add explanations and examples of words that might be used Generalizing Poor use of facts Contradiction or inconsistency Not answering someone’s argument Attacking the arguer not the argument Restricting the options.

Let’s try….. Look at p180 activity 2 How effective is A’s reasoning? How well does B answer the points made by A and D? How effective is C and D’s reasoning?

May / June 2013

Now look at the example answers to question 3 What are the strengths and weaknesses?