Review the vignettes in the document attached below. Select one vignette and identify at least two examples of fallacies that we have discussed in class. Record the fallacious quotes from the vignette and explain what type of fallacy you believe they are. For follow-up discussion (participation posts this week), decide whether or not you agree or disagree with your classmates and explain why. Your responses should be based on the fallacy only, not the content of the selected vignette.
PHI-104 Topic 4
Directions reminder:
Review the vignettes below. Select one vignette and identify at least two examples of fallacies that we have discussed in class. Record the fallacious quotes from the vignette and explain what type of fallacy you believe they are. Please choose a vignette that has not been used multiple times already.
Here is an example:
For follow-up discussion (participation posts this week), decide whether or not you agree or disagree with your classmates and explain why. Your responses should be based on the fallacy only, not the content of the selected vignette.
*SCROLL down for vignette options.
Topic 4 DQ 1 Fallacy Vignettes
| 1 Letter of Complaint |
To Whom it may Concern: Hello, I hope your day is going well. My name is Sam Sammons. I am writing in complaint of the new product I recently purchased through your company. I was excited to give it a try when I first ordered it. That said, I no longer want the product and request a refund. I watched an interview with Julia Roberts on TV the other day. Julia proclaimed the product was not useful. I have not had a chance to try it out, but if Julia believes it is useless, there is no need to give it a try. Furthermore, on the day the product was delivered, I was late to work. If the delivery of the product had taken place while I was at work, I would not have been late. I ought to be refunded my money on the product as well as provided an opportunity to sample a different product you have available due to being late to work on the day the product was delivered. ~ Sam Sammons |
| 2 Food Blog |
Italy Oh Italy! Daisy’s Restaurant Review I have been anxiously awaiting the opening night of Italy Oh Italy the Italian restaurant recently built on the corner of Main St. and Washington Ave. The restaurant should be the best in town because two top class Italian cuisine chefs teamed up with a Michelin star restaurant manager. The food was delicious but surprisingly, the atmosphere was tense during the soft opening. While dining, we overheard the two chefs arguing over the recipe for their marinara sauce. “The sauce must be made this way as this is how the sauce has always been made in Northern Italy,” Chef A shouted. Chef B rebutted, “Well, the old way is not enough to make a proper statement. It needs a bit of a twist. The sauce needs to have the extra ingredient added.” Both this restaurant and its menu will be finalized and ready to go by opening night or it will be a complete failure. I hope they work it out. |
| 3 Conversation |
The following conversation occurred between Sally, a precocious fifth grader, and her mom: Sally walked into the living room where her mom was reading a newspaper. “Mom, I really need a cellphone,” Sally said. Sally’s mom looked up from reading the newspaper and said, “You are not getting a cellphone. You are too young to have one.” “But, Mom,” Sally whined, “all my friends have their own cellphone, so I should too!” Her mom shook her head and said “No way! I grew up without a cellphone and so did your dad. That is the way it is going to be in this household.” Sally looked at her mom and said, “If I do not get a cellphone, no one will be my friend. I will be friendless for the rest of my life!” Sally’s mom told her that she will still be able to make friends, gave her a hug, and then told her to go outside and play. |
| 4 Parenting Blog |
Mom-to-Mom: Don’t Support Mandated Vaccinations! Parents, I am here to encourage you not to support a government mandated vaccination schedule. I am a mother of two boys. Both of my children were vaccinated according to the American Pediatric Associations vaccination schedule. Both of my children have now been diagnosed with autism. There is clearly a direct link. After the second autism diagnosis, I started researching this topic further and found loads of similar examples. There are even reputable and published celebrities who have confirmed the current vaccination schedule is not safe for our children. In fact, there are too many parents with concerns about vaccine safety for the government to mandate it. If the government mandates vaccines for our children, where does it stop? Please speak out before this leads to the government taking over our parental rights! |
| 5 Job Interview |
The following is an interview between Jane, an employee at ABC Company, and its VP of Human Resources: VP: Hi, Jane, tell me a little about yourself. Jane: Well, I have worked at ABC Company for the past 5 years, and for the last 3 years, been a lead supervisor. I am working towards my undergraduate degree in business administration. VP: Why do you think you are qualified for the Senior Production Manager position? Jane: I have been Lead supervisor for the past 3 years, and no one has ever told me that I was doing a bad job. VP: Are there any other reasons as to why you are the best candidate for this job? Jane: Yes! I am the best person for the job because I am the best candidate. VP (sighs): How would your coworkers rate you as a leader? Jane: Well, one of my coworkers told me they like having me as a lead supervisor, so all my coworkers would say the same thing. VP: Jane, we are looking for some who is well qualified in the position, and has the ability to be a leader for the shift production employees. Can you please identify concrete examples of why you should be considered for this position? Jane: I think I should be considered for this position because during my time as Lead Supervisor, I have implemented several initiatives that helped reduce overhead by 10%, while maintain productivity levels. Additionally, my department has been given the “best service” award for the last four quarters. I mentored several employees who have gone on to become lead supervisors for other departments in the company. |
| 6 Education |
Effective Public School The first public school opened its doors in Boston Massachusetts in 1635. There has been many changes to society since the creation of the public school system. While society continues to change the policies and practices of public schools should remain the same to provide the consistency that has always been available in education. I have been studying the history of education and its effectiveness over time. After examining all of the evidence, I have found that the research does not disprove that maintaining the consistency in teaching strategies and school policies is ineffective. Therefore, new policies and teaching strategies should be avoided to maintain the way students have always been educated. |
| 7 Relationship Blog |
Friends are Joy Relationships are defined as a connection, association, or involvement with other individuals. Some relationships are very successful while others are not. It is important to foster positive relationships with our colleagues, neighbors, and people with whom we connect daily. Having relationships, with people in our communities, allows us to feel connected and promotes a sense of belonging. Everyone has a group of close, personal friends who help them during times when life feels tough. These friends are essential to maintaining a state of joy. These friends can make us laugh until we cry. Therefore, we are only happy when we are with them. These types of deep friendships are essential in our overall state of joy and provide us with our only sense of happiness. |
| 8 Advertisement in a Blog |
Cleaning with Megan! The All-Natural Cleaning Blog for Moms Let me just take a moment and share my newest obsession! I am a huge proponent of the all new “Spic and Span” all-surface cleaner. It is the best cleaner on the market because the chemical makeup of the origins of this amazing product yields high acetic acids and H2 O2, without phthalates, triclosan, ammonia, chlorine and sodium hydroxide. I know personally that with being a new mom, I am only interested in all-natural cleaning products, such as the one mentioned above. And I just know that all you “new” mom readers understand and feel the exact same way as I do because you have little ones to care for! #advertisment #spicandspancleaning |
| 9 Military Recruitment |
Military Recruitment Interview/Conversation Potential Military Member: What are some of the benefits of joining the military? Military Recruiter: If you do not choose a full 20-year career in the military there are many other perks. For example, soldiers who complete their time in the military have a high job placement in their area of interest. Therefore, you should have no problem getting excellent job placement immediately after you serve your 4 years with us in the career of your choice. Potential Military Member: Well this is good news. I know that I am either going to be the most skilled tank mechanic when I leave the military, or I will be doomed for my future career and the opportunities will be non-existent. |
