Buying a Car Scenario

Prior to answering this week’s discussion, make sure you have completed the readings and can spend time fully examining the “Buying a Car” scenario.

In the car buying scenario, just like in real life, you were presented
with an argument for making a different purchase than what you had
originally intended. Think of a time recently where you were presented
with an argument that was intended to change your opinion on something.
Using that event, complete the following:

1. Present the argument in premise-conclusion form.  
2. Identify whether or not it was inductive or deductive and
   evaluate it for quality. Be sure to speak in terms of valid/sound for
   deductive arguments and strong/weak for inductive arguments. Note that
   last week you were merely asked to present whether or not you found the
   argument convincing. This week you are being asked to use your new
   knowledge to evaluate the arguments based on validity, soundness, and
   strength.
3. Explain whether or not you were convinced by the argument.  
4. Explain whether you were correct in your judgment of the argument.

Use the “Steps for Evaluating an Argument”
template to help you structure your response. After you have completed
the argument template, you will then be able to use that template to
write out a response in which you cover all the elements that were
included in the argument template.

You
must post to this discussion on at least four separate days of the week
and your posts must total at least 600 words as you address the
questions noted above. Your first post must be completed by Day 3
(Thursday) and the remainder of your posts must be completed by Day 7
(Monday).  You must answer all aspects of the prompt at some point
during the week.  Also, be sure to reply to your classmates and
instructor.  Try to attempt to take the conversation further by
examining their claims or arguments in more depth or responding to the
posts that they make to you.  Keep the discussion on target and try to
analyze things in as much detail as you can.

Guided Response: Read the reflections of several of
your classmates. Do you agree with their identification
(inductive/deductive) and evaluation (valid/sound and weak/strong)? What
made the argument either convincing or unconvincing?

For further instruction about how to address discussion prompts in the
new format, please view the key terms and Discussion Videos visible on
the right in Week 1 Discussion 1.