BUS 290 – Fall 2015 – Section 2
OCA-5_2
Name: ____________________________
First identify the argument structure: the issue, conclusion and reasons / supporting reasons, and ambiguous
terms. Using the form on the next page evaluate reason #R1 ONLY. The evaluation should start with the test
for truth (acceptable – not acceptable). State what you would need to believe the truth of the claim. After
evaluating the truth of the claim, assume it is true and proceed to test for logical strength, relevance and noncircularity. Identify any logical flaws (fallacies) the reason exhibits.
In the last table on the next page, for all reasons identify the type of evidence the reason uses, e.g., personal
experience, testimonials, research study, case example, etc. and discuss the strengths and weaknesses. of the
evidence.
Passage:
It has been claimed that chocolate is a healthy food because it provides health benefits. But chocolate is a
problem in our diets.
First, chocolate is a habit for many people. In a survey of 1,000 adults between the ages of 18 and 60, over 70%
reported that they consume chocolate in some form at least three times per month.
And, chocolate contains a lot of sugar, making it an unhealthy food. Sugar is necessary in chocolate to make it
sweet, and therefore edible. But too much sugar in a diet can lead to obesity, often resulting in poor general
health. There is currently an obesity epidemic in most western countries. Numerous studies (for example one at
the University of Texas Medical Research Center in 2013) show that two thirds of Americans are obese.
It’s time for people to wake up see that this is problem in our diets.
Issue:
Conclusion:
Reasons / Supporting Reasons:
Ambiguous terms (identify and explain – no more than two, if any):
Assumptions should be discussed in the evaluation of the reasons and the discussion of evidence.
Test and evaluate ONLY R1.
Test
R1
Truth
Logical strength
Relevance
Result / Explanation
What would you need to accept this claim (reason) as true?
How does this reason relate to the conclusion? Does it prove the conclusion directly or
does it require assumptions to prove the conclusion? How does it prove the conclusion?
Are there other reasons that lead to this conclusion? If yes, is this reason more or less
important than others? How necessary is this reason for this conclusion? Explain.
Is this reason circular or not? Explain.
Circularity
Fallacy type
Does this reason employ a fallacy? If yes, name or describe it.
Identify the type of evidence for all reasons and then discuss the strengths and weaknesses for all evidence (list
as R1, R2, etc.).
Evidence Type:
R1:
R2:
Add reason numbers if needed
Evidence Strengths and Weaknesses:
R1:
R2:
Add reason numbers as needed