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Definition
A sentence that is subject to more than one interpretation is ambiguous rather than vague.
“sent city police out at 11:38 am to kick kids off the roof of a downtown furniture store”.
3 types: semantic, syntactic, grouping |
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| A definition that specifies the type of thing the defined term applies to and the difference between that thing and other things of the same type. |
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Definition
Atoms are colored. Cats are made of atoms, so cats are colorless.
True?
False! What is true of individuals is not necessarily true of the whole.
This fallacy assumes that what is true of the individuals is also true of the group.
i.e. “Each part of the show, from the special effects to the acting is a masterpiece. So, the whole show is a masterpiece.” This is fallacious since a show could have great acting, great special effects and such, yet still fail to “come together” to make a masterpiece.
Many prejudiced conclusions make the fallacy of compositions as well (sexism, racism, etc.)
Mr. Neufeld teaches at BCS and he is a genius. Therefore all teachers at BCS are genius’. |
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Term
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Definition
| Defining a term by pointing to, naming, or describing one or more examples of something to which the term applies. |
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| Defining a term by giving a word or phrase that means the same thing. |
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Definition
The Chicago Blackhawks won the 2010 Stanley Cup final, and are the best NHL team. The best NHL players are therefore on the Chicago Blackhawks.
True?
False! What is true of a team is not necessarily true of its members. This fallacy assumes that what is true of the group is also true of the individuals.
i.e. The class average on a test is 80%. Therefore every student member of the class got 80%
i.e. A Boeing 747 can fly unaided across the ocean. Therefore one of its set engines can fly unaided across the ocean. |
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Definition
| a definition used to explain, illustrate, or disclose important aspects of a difficult concept |
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Definition
| an argument in which the reasons advanced for a claim fail to warrant acceptance of that claim. a mistake in reason |
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Term
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Definition
Ex. Class scores were 63%, 63%, 67%, 72%,99%
Teacher A: The test was too easy. Te class average was a ‘B’. It should be a ‘C+’.
Mean: add up all the scores, divide by the # of students = 75% |
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Term
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Definition
Ex. Class scores were 63%, 63%, 67%, 72%,99%
Teacher A: The test was too easy. Te class average was a ‘B’. It should be a ‘C+’.
Median: ½ of all the students score above this, ½ below = 67% |
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Term
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Definition
Ex. Class scores were 63%, 63%, 67%, 72%,99%
Teacher A: The test was too easy. Te class average was a ‘B’. It should be a ‘C+’.
mode=the most common score. = 63% |
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Term
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Definition
Definitions that clarify a vague concept.
definitions that limit the applicability of a term whose usual meaning is too vague for the use in question |
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Term
| rhetorical force/emotive force |
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Definition
| The feelings, attitudes, or emotions a word or an expression expresses or elicits |
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Term
| semantically ambiguous claim |
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Definition
Ambiguous because of an ambiguous word or phrase
The average (mean, median, mode) mark on the test was 73%
Examine the patient on the right
Jessica is cold
I know a little Italian.
Terry disputed their claim.
Aunt Amy does not glasses. |
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Term
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Definition
| definitions used to introduce an unfamiliar term or to assign a new meaning to a familiar term |
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Term
| syntactically ambiguous claim |
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Definition
Ambiguous because of it’s grammar or structure
“It’s wonderful that we have eight-year-old boys filling sandbags with old women.” (Lary King, during flooding of the Mississippi.)
players with beginners’ skills only may use court 1.
The $2000000 comma!
Rogers communications had a deal with another company, Aliant Inc., who had agreed to string cable across utility poles in Eastern Canada for a fixed rate per pole.The agreement “shall contine in force for a period of five years from the date it is made, and thereafter for successive five year terms, unless nad until terminated by one year prior to notice in writing by either party.” Rogers lost… meant Alliant could quit after 5 years being paid 2 000 000 |
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Term
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Definition
Comparisons are often vague
A lack of precision required for the claim.
There are different levels of vagueness
An English teacher, replying to a question about how long an essay has to be.
a) As long as it has to be to get the job done – Ms. Melhuish
b) Longer than 2 pages
c) Between 2 and 4 pages
d) Between 2 and 4 pages, double spaced, size 12, times new roman font. 1-inch margins on all sides. |
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