n this assignment, you will examine sample arguments, identify the premises, and explore logical reasoning.
Step 1: Review assignment requirements.
The concepts of premise and hidden premise can be found everywhere in the fast food industry, but it takes some understanding and careful attention to identify them. Complete the attached worksheet which is comprised of three tables. In Table1, “Spot the Premise,” identify the premise (or hidden premise) of each conclusion provided below. This information will be useful for Table 2, “Defending the Premises,” in which you provide a more in-depth analysis into the aforementioned conclusions. In Table 3, you will further examine principles of logical reasoning.
Spot the Premise
Everyone I know likes Chick-a-Cola. It must be really good!
I can’t believe the McDonald’s VP is voting to cut employee benefits. He must be in the president’s pocket.
If a restaurant is crowded, then people love the menu. The restaurant is crowded. People must love the new menu.
Industrialized cattle farms are immoral because they murder animals.
The fast food industry is in turmoil. The poor economy has brought down consumer spending, so the fast food industry is going to collapse.
Table 2: Defending the Premises
Do the assumptions really support the conclusion? Why or why not?
Identify which of the premises use deductive reasoning and which use inductive reasoning
Table 3: Logical Reasoning
What characteristics define deduction? What defines induction?
How can assumptions inform the premise of an argument?
Contrast the principal differences between explicitly expressed and tacitly implied premises. Which of the conclusions have explicitly expressed or tacitly implied premises?
Explain the effect explicit and implicit assumptions have on the final conclusion.
