Opinion vs. Argument
Opinion: 1. A conclusion or judgment held with confidence, but falling short of positive knowledge. 2. An estimation or judgment given more or less formally by an expert or experts. 3. A common or prevailing sentiment: public opinion.
I. Informed opinion
II. Argument: based on the logical appeal.
A. Premises: propositions that serve as the grounds for argument or for some conclusion. These are the foundation for your argument.
B. Evidence: doesn’t always need to be “scientific.” Can be reasonable ideas that the reader can agree with.
C. Useful distinctions: solid points of critical thinking that help the reader distinguish between similar ideas or concepts. Ex. The difference between honesty and integrity.
III. Deductive reasoning: Decision making process in which ideas are processed from the general to the specific.
The syllogism: deductive reasoning in which a conclusion is derived from two premises.
The classic syllogism:
(1) All men are mortal. (2) Socrates is a man. Therefore, (3) Socrates is mortal.
Faulty syllogism: (1). Test scores are low. (2). Students watch too much T.V. (3). T.V. is the cause of low test scores.
IV. Inductive reasoning: The attempt to use information about a specific situation to draw a conclusion.
Ex. In “The Lottery” they draw lots to see who will be stoned to death.
Old man Warner says “Lottery in June, corn be heavy soon.”
Conclusion: the lottery is a ritual sacrifice to ensure a good harvest.