Phi unit 9
PHIL110 Critical Thinking – SPS CUNY
Unit 9 Discussion Assignment Anything Wrong with this Argument?
Step 1.
Read an article that appeared in The Philosophers' Magazine, entitled "The Drug Laws Don't
Work.” By Michael Huemer (see attached as a separate PDF).
This article -- "The Drug Laws Don't Work" -- was written by Michael Huemer, a philosophy
professor at the University of Colorado. It first appeared in The Philosophers' Magazine on July
20, 2009. The article contains some very interesting inductive argumentative strategies,
including analogy, causal argument, and enumerative induction. It also comes close to
committing some fallacies such as weak analogy, false cause, and hasty generalization.
Step 2.
Once you've read the article, find an instance of where the argument comes dangerously close to
committing a fallacy. Then find inductive inference pattern that this argument uses (such as
inductive generalization (enumerative induction), statistical syllogism, analogy, or causal
argument.
Step 3.
On the Discussion Forum, answer the following questions:
Fallacy:
• Name the fallacy that you were able to identify
• Define the fallacy -based on the lectures and reading
• Explain why you think it's committed.
Inductive Inference:
• Identify one inductive inference pattern that it uses
• Reconstruct its premise(s) and conclusion
Your Opinion and Your Reasons:
• Do you think that drugs should be legalized, or perhaps that only certain drugs should be
legalized? What are your reasons?
Step 4.
Read and respond to other students’ posts with substantial comments that follow these
commenting points:
PHIL110 Critical Thinking – SPS CUNY
• Do you think their reconstruction of the fallacy is well done? Does their explanation make
sense? If not, what additional comments can you offer to clarify it.
• Do you agree with the reasons they offer to answer the question about ‘legalizing
drugs’? Which of their reasons do you disagree with and why?
• Search the internet for a recent commentary (news article published within the last 3 years)
about drug laws, legalization, punishments etc - and offer this article as a gift to your fellow
student. Link to the article, then tell them why you are offering this article and how it related
to their position (it might be supporting their view or contradicting it).
• (NOTE: You can offer the same article to several students’ posts that you make comments
on, as long as you connect the article specifically to their arguments on drug laws).
Recommendations for Success and Grading Criteria:
• Respond to the assignment with clear and detailed answers, organized thoughts.
• Follow all assignment prompts and answers all prompt questions.
• Incorporate relevant examples and evidence to support claims.
• Write clearly and without errors a well-composed answer and post it on time.
• Respond to other students with interesting comments and follow-up questions. Acknowledge all students who commented on your post.