Epstein uses Chapter 5 on page 96 to discuss about 5 topics about the Common Mistakes in Evaluating Premises in the following:
1. Arguing Backwards
2. Confusing Possibility with Plausibility
3. Bad Appeals to Authority
4. Mistaking the Person for the Claim
5. Mistaking the Person for the Argument
Mistaking the Person for the Claim stands out to me the most because we do this very often; We tend to make judgement and easily reject a claim because of who said it and we should not do that because it's one of the common mistakes in evaluating premises. An example I've came across is from my humorous friend Kim, she's jokes about a lot of things and almost about everything. Its almost hard to take her seriously because she's a goofy person to be around and it's fun for the most part. She approached me last week and asked me to start hitting the gym with her because she has gained 5 pounds in the past week. I did not take her seriously at all and disregarded her comment, stating she looks fine and that we should go get dessert instead. Unexpectedly she got really sad and told me she wasn't joking. I felt really bad and had to apologize on the spot. After studying this Chapter, it teaches me to to evaluate premises more carefully and to make sure that I do not make common mistakes especially when it comes to hurting someone's feelings.
In enjoyed reading your post. The fact that you first explained all the fallacies and then explained one in detail was a good idea. The example you gave for mistaking the person for the claim was also a good one. Just by reading your example, one does not need to look any further about what mistaking the person for the claim means. I think that everyone does it all the time without realizing that it is wrong and irrational. This shows how much critical thinking we need in our daily lives to solve most of our problems which arise due to misunderstandings alone.
ReplyDeleteI enjoy reading your post. I like how you identify the common mistakes in evaluating premises before you you explained the fallacies then follow with a clear, and good example. I think this way makes it easier for readers to understand. The funny thing is among a group of friends,there is always that one friend that like to joke a lot but hard to take seriously and I know exactly how you feel or what you mean after when you explained your situation. I like how I was able to connect with your examples and know that this can happen every time. Keep up the good work!
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