Discussion: Arguments by Analogy
You will be engaging in the discussion forum responding to the reading requirements associated with "arguing by analogy." The use of an analogy can be a powerful tool to demonstrate critical thinking, but it can also be used to distort or hide things that matter. In the A Rulebook for Arguments, Weston explains how analogies work. You will be analyzing Gladwell's style of arguing that involves telling stories, citing selected scientific studies and using analogies to persuade us to consider his point of view. This week, I suggest you think of Malcolm Gladwell as a guest speaker who has emailed the class his ideas on "the trouble with geniuses" and has invited each of you to reply to the following questions:
- What is the argument that Gladwell presents in Chapters 3 and 4?
- Develop an email response to Gladwell's argument that identifies one analogy that he uses in order to explain to us why he believes that opportunity matters more than talent
- The email response should present a short response using Chapter 1 and 2 of A Rulebook for Arguments as a guide for formatting your evaluation of the analogy.
Your original response should have a minimum of 150-200 words. This should be in paragraph form. You will need to correctly cite/reference in APA any usage of outside material, such as a paraphrase, quote, or summary. Double Space, Size 12, Time New Roman, College Level Paper
Textbooks: A Rulebook for Arguments: Weston, A. (2009) Rulebook for arguments. 4th Ed., Hackett Publishing Co. ISBN-13: 978-0872209541
Outliers: Gladwell, M (2008) Outliers: The story of success. Reprint, Back Bay Books. ISBN-13: 978-0316017930