Name: Ashley Beyer
Journal #6
From Ben Franklin’s The Autobiography (p. 80 – 83)
Write a well-developed paragraph in response to the following questions.
1. Explain what was involved in Franklin’s plan for self-perfection? What conclusion did Franklin come to regarding the effectiveness of this plan?
Franklin’s plan for self-perfection included thirteen virtues; temperance, silence, order, resolution frugality, industry, sincerity, justice, moderation, cleanliness, tranquility, chastity, humility. These virtues, he believed, would bring him to full self-perfection. In his conclusion, Franklin states that he lived a happier life because of these virtues. He also credits the virtues to helping him live a long, healthy life, helping him create a fortune, and helping him restore his confidence in the country. He ends by saying that he hopes posterity will listen and reap the benefits of what he has said.
2. Do you feel that a plan such as Franklin’s would improve you as a person? Why or why not? What would be your top five virtues?
I think that it could improve me if I stuck with it throughout my entire life. It would be a very hard thing to do, but eventually I would get used to it. My top five virtues would be temperance, humility, justice, moderation, and tranquility.
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Journal #5 - Thomas Paine's "Common Sense"
1. Identify the specific argument that Paine is making in each paragraph. For each of the arguments, identify whether Paine is making an emotional, ethical, or logical appeal and suggest an effective counterargument.
#1 He said that the revolution would be hard, but it will have been worth it in the end. The British did not have the power to tax and enslave them. Paine is making an emotional and logical appeal. The counter argument could be that the Americans owe the English because they supported them while they were in their country. The fallacies are faulty analogy and sentimental appeal.
#2 God won’t let us lose; he wants us to win; dogmatic – no proof. Logical appeal; king = murderer. King has no support from God. He is wrong, they are right; ethical appeal. Not focusing on legit arguments. Counter: God is not on any side or on England’s side.
#3 The argument he is trying to make is that they should fight now and not later. The appeals are logical, emotional, and ethical. A counter argument would be that things might work themselves out or America could lose the war and life would get worse.
#4 America wouldn’t fight offense of war, fought defensive war. needed to defend ourselves. Argument by analogy. King a thief and took things so need to fight emotional appeal (angry, inspired, passionate)
2. Can you identify any of the logical fallacies that we discussed in Paine’s arguments? If so, which ones? Overall, what do you feel are the strengths and weaknesses of Paine’s arguments?
The logical fallacies are Faulty Analogy, Sentimental Appeal, Begging the Question, Ad Hominem. He has a few strengths; he is an important historical figure and persuades people without using logic. He uses emotion and ethics to draw people in. His arguments’ weakness is that he doesn’t make a convincing logical argument, which makes some people not listen to him. He never really lays out why they should fight. It is only emotional.
#1 He said that the revolution would be hard, but it will have been worth it in the end. The British did not have the power to tax and enslave them. Paine is making an emotional and logical appeal. The counter argument could be that the Americans owe the English because they supported them while they were in their country. The fallacies are faulty analogy and sentimental appeal.
#2 God won’t let us lose; he wants us to win; dogmatic – no proof. Logical appeal; king = murderer. King has no support from God. He is wrong, they are right; ethical appeal. Not focusing on legit arguments. Counter: God is not on any side or on England’s side.
#3 The argument he is trying to make is that they should fight now and not later. The appeals are logical, emotional, and ethical. A counter argument would be that things might work themselves out or America could lose the war and life would get worse.
#4 America wouldn’t fight offense of war, fought defensive war. needed to defend ourselves. Argument by analogy. King a thief and took things so need to fight emotional appeal (angry, inspired, passionate)
2. Can you identify any of the logical fallacies that we discussed in Paine’s arguments? If so, which ones? Overall, what do you feel are the strengths and weaknesses of Paine’s arguments?
The logical fallacies are Faulty Analogy, Sentimental Appeal, Begging the Question, Ad Hominem. He has a few strengths; he is an important historical figure and persuades people without using logic. He uses emotion and ethics to draw people in. His arguments’ weakness is that he doesn’t make a convincing logical argument, which makes some people not listen to him. He never really lays out why they should fight. It is only emotional.
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