Discussion Question #3 (3/21 - 3/27)

3). Pick one concept from the assigned reading, that has not already been discussed during this discussion week, that you found useful or interesting, and discuss it.

In this chapter, I found the section about checking for validity with diagrams very useful. I had never thought about using pictures or diagrams in the course before. The illustrations and explanations gave me the ability to organize claims into a visual drawing. For their example, “All good teachers give fair exams. Professor Z gives fair exams. So professor Z is a good teacher,” I was able to understand why “good teachers” circle belongs inside the “teachers who give fair exams” circle and why “Professor Z” is not a part of both circles, therefore making it weak. This was really helpful because I can learn best if I have a way to visualize and example or work it out on paper. Being able to draw a claim out on paper allows me to do that. I think applying this method to claims can help a lot of people that may struggle just trying to think about a concept without writing it out.