Repairing/ Fixing Arguments
Broken Argument:
Errol has a ton of homework and midterms due this week. So Errol does not sleep well.
Analysis/Breakdown:
- In this argument, the author is creating the stretch by concluding that Errol does not sleep well because Errol has a ton homework and midterms due this week.
- Because there is no connecting premise between the claim and the conclusion, there is no "glue" that ties these two together.
- From this argument, how is the reader or audience supposed to know that Errol could've not slept well due to several other reasons?
- Errol's lack of sleep could be attributed to too much partying, working several jobs, learning dance routines, or maybe he just doesn't like sleeping.
To make this sentence valid, the writer should input "Errol doesn't get to sleep because he is avidly researching, studying and writing papers and blogs for his classes." By having this sentence, the options of other scenarios as to why Errol is currently lacking sleep is out ruled as the inputted sentence would clearly focus the reason for Errol's lack of sleep due to large number of midterms he had in the week.
Valid Argument: Errol has a ton of homework and midterms this week. Errol doesn't get to sleep because he is avidly researching, studying and writing papers and blogs for his classes. So Errol does not sleep well.
Hey:). I really liked your example of a broken argument and how to repair it. It was very clear as to what you wanted to do to repair the argument. By stating what homework and midterms do to you, such as research, writing, and studying, it is clear to see why you do not sleep well. Being more specific in the argument is important because without it, a person may ask "so what? How does sleeping and your school work even connect to one another?" Also, I do agree that these tasks hinder sleep because of the time needed and all the stress it puts on a person. Great example, analysis, and conclusion. Good job:).
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