Week 7, Q. 3
Discussing a useful or interesting concept in Ch. 6/Ch. 7.
CH. 6, Exercise for Section A, Q. 4
A false dilemma I've used or I've heard recently: So, I've been complaining about wanting a new cellphone because my current cell phone is getting old and a little bit beat up. However, I was also complaining a bit about the price of the new phone that I have been looking at and wanting because it's a little expensive. When I mentioned these two things to my mom, she said to me "Either you decide that you can afford that new cellphone, or you're just gonna have to be phoneless for a while." This was a false dilemma from my mom. while this argument can be valid, it isn't very good. The reason it is not a good argument is becuase she excluded all other possibilities. Like the fact that my current phone works still. Or maybe I could buy a new phone that is not as expensive as the one that I have already been looking at.
this is a great post. i highly enjoyed reading it. it goes over the text in the book very well. the example of the false dilemma you recently used was very effective in describing the lesson. it was also pleasant reading about it. one is always hesitant about making a big purchase specially when its a treat and not too much of a necessity. the argument you presented is also well described as to why it was not a good enough or strong argument from your mom. over all i liked yout post. its always nice to read your examples. very descriptive! ;)
ReplyDeleteI liked this post as well. You explained what a false dilemma was very well and you used it in an example that is up to date. Everyone can relate to wanting something new, in your case it was the cell phone. Then someone, like you parents, gives you somewhat of an ultimatum. There are holes in this because they do not allow you to think of all the other possibilities out there. Your mom said you either afford the phone or your phoneless. Then you proved it with your example of you buying another phone that’s less expensive or just to continue using your current phone. Your examples helped show exactly what a false dilemma is.
ReplyDeleteThis is a really good example of a false dilemma! It's funny because I personally just experienced a similar situation with my parents,but it was about me getting a new car. I love learning about how to make a good argument now because it is easier to win arguments with your parents, or make them more upset because you can tell them they aren't making a valid point. Your example is very well related to the books description of what a false dilemma is. I really liked this entry because I feel like anyone could read it and simply understand what a false dilemma is.
ReplyDeleteI thought your example was funny and great as well. Like CHsugar, I liked that you related the concept with a personal experience. It just reinforces the fact that many of these types of arguments occur on a daily basis, and it has made me more aware of how they are used in conversations. Your example was a good example, because I immediately was able to think of alternate possibilities as well, which supported the claim as false or implausible. Your explanation of the concept was clear and well defined. Great job and thank you for your well thought out example.
ReplyDeleteI thought that this is a very intriguing post because I feel like I was confused by the the book's description of a false dilemma and now I realize that I have been in this same false dilemma for a while now. My phone contract has been expired since August and I have the EnV Touch, but many of my friends have an iPhone and I have been thinking about getting one because it is easier to get emails and go on facebook. For these reasons, I have thought to myself that if I do not make a move for a new phone, I am just going to be phoneless for a while. However, this is a false dilemma because whether or not I get a new phone soon, I will have to keep the phone I have in order to make calls.
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