An example analysis and the corresponding passage it is analyzing is in the ‘Argument Analysis Example’ folder in the ‘Files’ tab.
You have a choice between two options for the text you will be analyzing for the assignment. The two selection options (AA#2(a) and AA#2(b)) are found in the ‘Argument Analysis Selections’ folder in the ‘Files’ tab. The first option is a selection from Thomson’s paper that we have been covering. The second option is a selection from Marquis’s paper that we are covering next.
Step 1: Identify and reconstruct the main argument in the passage in premise-conclusion format and as a valid argument. This requires first identifying the primary claim that the author is arguing for in the selection (the conclusion). After that, identify the claims that the author uses to support their conclusion (the premises). Finally, ensure that the argument is valid. The simplest way to do this is to construct a conditional in the premise set that conjoins all of the other previously identified premises and places them in the antecedent of the conditional, and places the conclusion of the argument in the consequent of the conditional. Copying and pasting from the text will often not work to identify the argument appropriately; reconstructing the argument in premise-conclusion will likely require interpreting the overall passage and writing the premises and conclusion in your own words.
Step 2: The first part of the analysis is to explain the argument identified in step 1 in ordinary English. This may include explaining the language used in the argument, identifying the justification the author gives or premises or both. The explanation of the argument must be at least 1/2 of a page.
Step 3: The second part of the analysis is to critically evaluate the argument identified in step 1. The most straight forward way to do this is to criticize a premise by arguing that it is false. This requires providing an original argument, i.e., an argument that you think up, against a premise. It is not necessary that you ultimately agree with the criticism, but it should be plausible. The critical evaluation of the argument must be at least 2/3 a page in length.
You must complete 2 AAs worth 20% of your grade total. There will be 3 opportunities to complete AAs with the lowest grade being dropped. AAs are graded for quality and not merely completion. Each submission should be double spaced, 12pt font, with clearly labelled sections (Argument Reconstruction, Argument Explanation, and Critical Evaluation) and written in a word processor (Word, Pages, etc.) exported to a PDF for submission.
I have attached an example and its corresponding below.
Addtionally I have attached both aa#2(a) an AA#2(b)
