Evaluating the argument
By Debbie Harris, Contributor

FOR THOSE among us who have been working on The Expository Section, we are all anxious to complete it and get it out of the way. As we come to the end of this module, let us consider critically the following arguments and attempt to identify the fallacy which we think is present.

A) Read the following two reports and answer the questions based on them, giving reasons for your answers.

1. The quiet farming district of Belnavis in deep rural St. Richard has witnessed a tremendous influx of visitors over the past three days. Many are drawn to the site of what locals are calling a modern day miracle. When this reporter visited Belnavis on New Year's Day the Mayor confirmed: "Since the Bishop's visit on Christmas Day there has been a miracle at the abandoned well at Eastside. After years of contamination from the bauxite factory, the water in the well is now safe for use. It's true because he even drank some of it. Now our water problems are over."

a) Consider the argument implicit in the Mayor's statement. Briefly explain what fallacy you think is present.

2. Defeated Member of Parliament and leader of the People's Lightning League, Sir. John Brown, is crying foul at the results of the January 5 general elections. Sir Brown says that this has been the most fraudulent elections in the history of Cali. "Never in my life have I seen this level of bogus voting, the stuffing of ballot boxes and the intimidation of voters." When asked what proof he had of these alleged election day malpractice, Sir John retorted, "It is plain for all to see. Nobody can dispute it and especially since it was reported in The Daily Truth, the nation's largest selling newspaper and the most prestigious in the English-speaking Caribbean." An appeal in the High Court is expected.

b) Consider critically Sir John Brown's argument implicit in his statement and briefly explain what fallacy you think is present.

B) For each of the following cases identify the fallacy and say why the reasoning is unsound.

1. A group of women were discussing their household problems. Mrs. Walters, their hostess, joined the group saying: "I'm so glad we're talking about these problems. It's so important to talk about things that are on our minds. We spend so much of our time in the kitchen that of course our household problems are our minds. So, it's important to talk about them."

2. If a coat or suit becomes old, ragged or out of style, we don't continue to wear it. We replace it with a new one. Similarly, employees who reach the age of 65 should be forced to retire to make way for younger people with energy and fresh ideas.

3. The recent frequency of prenatal genetic counseling raises the fear that fetuses will be selected for abortion merely on the chance that they may not grow up to meet preconceived ideals of appearance, intelligence, or sexuality.

See how well you can analyse these arguments. Use the notes which I gave last week to help you answer the questions. Remember that it is important for you to explain why the reasoning is unsound. I will provide the suggested responses to the given exercises in the next publication. Until then, walk good!