Half-Asleep Post

Warning: I am almost unconscious with fatigue as I write this, so if there are numerous errors, my apoligiees. To recap the day, we reviewed some essay issues such as the difference between a rant and a critique. This essay does invite criticism of education, but you need to avoid empty complaints about the terrible system, curriculum, books, homework, and / teachers - well, that does sound quite depressing, doesn't it? :) But anyway, instead of general attacks, try to make convincing, rational, well-substantiated arguments. Of course positive comments about education are always welcome, and have the added bonus of being rare and unexpected, so don't hold back.

Let us move on to our discussion and the practice questions about logical fallacies. Do you recall what Post Hoc, Ergo Propter Hoc means? If one event follows another, the first has not necessarily caused the second. Faulty causality. Oh, and I told my husband about the whole false dilemma (also known as false dichotomy) issues - he is delighted that I am now going to accuse him of logical fallacies while we are arguing! How to add spice to the marriage - ok, I told you I am very tired right now. 

Anyway, young people who can stay up until 9:30 without keeling over, I really want you to remember me when you have three little kids and a job. Now for your homework.

Please:

• Complete the logical fallacies worksheet - make sure to use the notes to help you answer the questions, and read the other handout on argumentation that explains warrants, claims, data, counterarguments, and rebuttals.  Keep working on your essays, which are now due on the Monday - the 27th, I think. 
• If you have the workbook, you should now be reading Chapter 6 and completing the work therein. 
• On Friday, we will look at the persuasive essay for the AP exam.

Must go zzzzzzz.

P.S. If you read this blog, please comment with the name of one logical fallacy not mentioned in this post.