Exercise 2.

4
a. "I ate because I am hungry."

- This statement does not present a clear argument. It is a simple causal

explanation where the action of eating is attributed to the feeling of hunger.

b. "He must be home; his car's in the driveway."

- This statement contains an argument. This statement contains an implicit

argument that follows a logical structure of presenting evidence to support.

[3/26, 8:41 PM] Geddi: The passage "I'm trading in my Ford Explorer for a
Toyota Corolla because they’re more reliable and get better gas mileage"
contains an argument. Here's why:

1. Claim: The speaker is making a claim that they are trading in their Ford
Explorer for a Toyota Corolla.

2. Supporting Reasons:

- Reason 1: The Toyota Corolla is more reliable.

- Reason 2: The Toyota Corolla gets better gas mileage.

The passage presents a clear argument where the claim (trading in the Ford
Explorer for a Toyota Corolla) is supported by two reasons (reliability and
better gas mileage of the Toyota Corolla). This format aligns with the
structure of an argument, where the claim is backed by evidence or reasons.

Therefore, the passage provided contains an argument.

[3/26, 8:41 PM] Geddi: The passage "If Christmas is on Friday, the day after
Christmas must be a Saturday" does not contain a distinct argument
structure. Here's why:

1. Conditional Statement: The passage sets up a conditional relationship

where it states that if Christmas is on Friday, then the day after Christmas
must be a Saturday.

2. Logical Relationship: The statement does not present a claim or assertion

supported by reasons or evidence. Instead, it follows a conditional logic
based on the standard calendar sequence where the day that follows Friday
is Saturday.

3. Absence of Argument: Arguments typically involve presenting a claim or

position and providing supporting reasons, evidence, or logic to justify that
claim. In this passage, there is no explicit argument being made; instead, it
presents a logical sequence based on the days of the week.

Since the passage does not present a claim supported by reasons or

evidence, it does not contain a structured argument. Instead, it follows a
conditional logic based on the given scenario.

[3/26, 8:41 PM] Geddi: The passage "Dinosaurs became extinct sixty-five
million years ago probably as a result of dramatic global cooling that resulted
from the impact of a large asteroid" contains an argument. Here's why:
1. Claim: The statement presents a claim that dinosaurs became extinct
sixty-five million years ago.

2. Supporting Reason: The passage provides a supporting reason for why

dinosaurs became extinct, attributing it to dramatic global cooling caused by
the impact of a large asteroid

3. Conclusion: The passage implies a causal relationship between the impact

of the asteroid, resulting in global cooling, and the extinction

1. Claim: The statement presents a claim that dogs make better pets than
cats.

2. Supporting Reasons: The passage provides two supporting reasons for this
claim – that dogs are more intelligent and obedient than cats.

Therefore, this passage contains an argument as it presents a claim along

with supporting reasons to justify why dogs are considered better pets than
cats.

1. Claim: The statement presents a claim that Stan Musial was a better all-
around baseball player than Ted Williams

2. Supporting Reason: The passage provides a supporting reason for this

claim – that Musial was great not only as a hitter and base-runner but also in
other aspects that Williams may not have excelled in.

3. Conclusion: The conclusion of the argument is implied in the statement,

suggesting that Musial's overall ability in multiple areas of the game makes
him superior to Williams.

The passage "The rich and famous tend not to be happy well-adjusted
personalities – look at Britney Spears" contains an argument. Here's why:

1. Claim: The statement presents a claim that the rich and famous are not
typically happy or well-adjusted personalities.
2. Supporting Example: The passage provides an example to support the
claim by referencing Britney Spears as an illustration of a rich and famous
individual who may not be happy or well-adjusted.

The passage "I stayed home from school because I was sick" does not
contain an argument.

10=The given passage does not contain an argument. It simply provides

information about the Cascades mountain range and its peaks. If you have
any other questions or need assistance with identifying arguments in other
passages, feel free to ask.

11=The passage contains an argument. The argument being made is that

the death penalty costs too much and allowing the government to kill
citizens compromises moral values and the dignity of human persons.

12=The passage contains an argument. The argument being made is that if

resources were not unequally distributed and if animals were not fed grain,
humanity could be adequately nourished.

13=The passage contains an argument. The argument presented is that

William Gladstone believed that chewing each bite of food 32 times would
lead to better health, citing the exact number of teeth humans have as
evidence.

14=The passage contains an argument. The argument presented is that

"Guys are extremely reluctant to make commitments or even to take any
steps that might lead to commitments," which is supported by the
subsequent statement about their behavior when they like a woman.

15. The passage presents an argument made by Abraham Lincoln about the
limitations of deception, stating that while it's possible to deceive some
people temporarily, it's impossible to deceive everyone all the time.
16. The passage presents an argument based on a new study published in
the journal Pediatrics, suggesting that removing a child's tonsils and
adenoids can lead to better grades due to improved sleep quality post-
surgery.

17=Robert C. Solomon's quote emphasizes that productivity, serving the

public, and taking care of employees are integral to the essence of business,
not just secondary considerations. By prioritizing these aspects, profits
naturally follow, as they are a consequence of ethical and effective business
practices.

18=C.S. Lewis is suggesting that the existence of something now implies

there was never truly a state of nothingness, as nothingness couldn't give
rise to something. This idea challenges the concept of absolute nothingness
as a starting point for existence.

19=Covaleski argues that teaching children the intrinsic morality of not

stealing is more important than simply enforcing rules against stealing. By
emphasizing the ethical principle behind the rule, children develop a deeper
understanding of right and wrong rather than just following external
guidelines.

20=This biblical verse from John 3:8 metaphorically describes the

mysterious nature of spiritual rebirth, likening it to the unpredictable
movement of the wind. Just as one cannot control or fully understand the
wind's path, similarly, the workings of the Spirit are beyond human
comprehension and control.

21=D.T. Suzuki suggests that regardless of our modern, civilized upbringing,

there remains within us a primal yearning for simplicity and closeness to
nature. This longing is often fulfilled through activities such as camping in
the wilderness or exploring untouched landscapes, which reconnect us to our
innate desire for a more natural way of living.

22=Woody Allen's quote highlights the critical juncture humanity finds itself
in, where the choices we make could lead either to despair or to our survival.
It underscores the importance of wisdom and discernment in navigating the
challenges we face as a species.

23=Robert Jackall's quote from "Moral Mazes" reflects a cynical view of

morality within corporations, suggesting that ethical standards are often
dictated by hierarchical power dynamics rather than intrinsic values. In this
context, what is considered "right" is determined by the desires and
expectations of those in positions of authority rather than by traditional
moral principles.

24=Dr. C. Everett Koop's statement emphasizes the harmful effects of

physical punishment on children. It aligns with modern understanding that
hitting children not only causes physical harm but also negatively impacts
their emotional well-being, fostering feelings of rage, self-hate, and low self-
esteem. This advice advocates for alternative, non-violent forms of discipline
in child-rearing practices.

25=I.W. Kelly et al.'s statement highlights the prevalence of fallacious beliefs

within tradition and folklore. They cite examples like not swimming after
eating or reading in the dark damaging eyesight, which have been debunked
by scientific research. This underscores the importance of critical thinking
and relying on evidence-based information rather than accepting beliefs
based solely on tradition.

26=Dave Barry's quote humorously suggests that listening to radio talk

shows can provide reassurance by highlighting the intellectual shortcomings
of others. It's a lighthearted way of acknowledging that everyone has their
strengths and weaknesses, and encountering differing levels of intelligence
in others can offer a boost of confidence.
27. In this passage by Harold Kushner from the book “When Bad Things
Happen to Good People,” the author expresses his perspective on the
occurrence of tragic events. He states that he does not perceive these
calamities as acts of God or divine punishment. Instead, he believes that
they are natural events and that there is no moral reason for specific victims
to be singled out for punishment.

28. This passage by Mortimer J. Adler argues that when the determination of
what is just or unjust is solely in the hands of those who have the power to
make laws, it becomes impossible to judge the laws themselves as just or
unjust. The passage implies that the basis for justice should not be solely
dependent on the authority of those who establish the laws.

29. This passage by Dave Barry humorously discusses the cause of the
Millennium Bug, a computer problem that was anticipated as the year 2000
approached. It suggests that the cause of the bug can be traced back to
computer programmers in the 1960s who used shorthand representations for
certain types of data due to the expensive computer memory at the time.
The passage also includes humorous remarks about drug use and
programmers’ lack of awareness about the current century.

30. This quote by Samuel Johnson humorously critiques a manuscript by

stating that while it may be good, the original parts are not good and the
good parts are not original. It plays on the idea of originality and quality in
creative works.

These passages offer a mix of informative content, humor, personal

perspectives, and critical observations. They provide insights into various
topics such as beliefs, intelligence, tragedy, justice, technological history,
and creativity.

Sure! Here’s the classification of the passages as arguments or explanations:

1. Passage: Neptune is blue because its atmosphere contains methane. (John

Fix, Astronomy: Journey to the Cosmic Frontier, 2 nd ed.)

- This passage is best understood as an explanation. It provides a cause-

effect relationship between the presence of methane in Neptune’s
atmosphere and the blue color observed.

2. Passage: A good schoolmaster is a far more useful citizen than the

average bank president, politician, or general, if only because what he
transmits is what gives meaning to the life of the banker, the politician, the
general. (Clifton Fadiman, The Lifetime Reading Plan)

- This passage is best understood as an argument. It presents a claim about

the usefulness of a good schoolmaster compared to bank presidents,
politicians, or generals and provides reasoning to support that claim.

3. Passage: My mother, who graduated from high school at sixteen, had no

hope of affording college, so she went to work in the local post office for a
dollar a day. (Tom Brokaw, The Greatest Generation)

- This passage is best understood as an explanation. It provides background

information about the author’s mother and explains the circumstances that
led her to work in the local post office.
In summary, Passage 1 is an explanation about why Neptune appears blue,
Passage 2 is an argument about the usefulness of a schoolmaster, and
Passage 3 is an explanation about the author’s mother’s situation.

8. Carl Sagan suggests that widespread torture, famine, and governmental

criminal irresponsibility are more likely to be found in tyrannous
governments compared to democratic governments. He argues that this is
because the rulers in tyrannous governments are less likely to be held
accountable for their misdeeds and removed from office.

9. Jerry Seinfeld humorously observes that men tend to use the television
remote control more frequently than women. He suggests that men often
switch channels without even knowing what they are not watching, while
women are more likely to stop and check the show before changing the
channel. Seinfeld attributes this difference in behavior to the idea that
women tend to nurture and men tend to hunt, drawing a parallel between
television viewing habits and traditional gender roles.

10. Harold Kushner reflects on the fact that bad things can happen to good
people. He uses the analogy that a bullet, a malignant tumor, or an out-of-
control automobile have no conscience, meaning they can harm anyone
regardless of their moral character. Kushner suggests that good people can
experience sickness and injury just as much as anyone else, highlighting the
unpredictability and unfairness of life’s challenges.

11. A.F. Chalmers argues that seeking rational justifications for every
principle can lead to trouble. He suggests that it is impossible to provide a
rational argument for rational argument itself without assuming the very
thing being argued for. In other words, there are certain foundational
principles or assumptions that cannot be rationally justified but are
necessary for the process of rational argumentation.

12. William H. Shaw acknowledges that the ideal of promoting human

happiness and well-being is widely admired. He specifically mentions Mother
Teresa as an example of someone who dedicated her life to working with the
poor, which aligns with the goal of improving human well-being. Shaw
implies that many people find such dedication and selflessness admirable.

13. Charley Lau emphasizes the importance of good work habits for
successful hitters in baseball. He asserts that practice, in large quantities, is
crucial for eliminating slumps and maintaining a competitive edge. Lau
suggests that good hitters are constantly working on improving their skills,
highlighting the significance of consistent practice in achieving success.

14. Earl Warren expresses his personal preference for reading the sports
section of a newspaper first. He believes that the sports page records
people’s accomplishments, while the front page often focuses on human
failures. Warren’s statement implies that he finds inspiration and positivity in
the achievements and stories of athletes, contrasting them with the
potentially negative news found on the front page.

9:Jerry Seinfeld’s observation highlights a common stereotype about gender

differences in TV-watching behavior, suggesting that men tend to be more
trigger-happy with the remote control, while women may be more inclined to
give a show a chance before changing the channel. He humorously attributes
this contrast to evolutionary tendencies: women’s nesting instinct versus
men’s hunting instinct. While this perspective may resonate with some
individuals, it’s important to recognize that behaviors can vary widely among
individuals regardless of gender.

10 Harold Kushner’s quote reflects the idea that unfortunate events can
happen to anyone, regardless of their character or intentions, because
natural or mechanical processes do not discriminate based on morality.

11 The quote highlights the inherent paradox in seeking rational justifications

for every principle, as doing so ultimately requires assuming the very
principles we are trying to justify. It underscores the limitations of pure
rationality in certain philosophical contexts.

12 It’s indeed admirable how figures like Mother Teresa dedicated their lives
to helping others and promoting well-being. Their actions serve as
inspirations for many.

13:Charley Lau’s quote emphasizes the importance of consistent practice for

success in hitting. Good hitters understand that continuous practice is
necessary to avoid slumps and maintain their competitive edge. They are
dedicated to constantly refining their skills, recognizing that improvement
requires ongoing effort and commitment.

14 Earl Warren’s quote highlights the contrasting focus of the sports section
and the front page of a newspaper. While the sports section celebrates
achievements, the front page often highlights failures and challenges faced
by humanity. It reflects a perspective on the different narratives presented in
media.

15 :Allan Bloom’s quote suggests that individuals can experience a deeper

sense of truth and fulfillment through reading works like Plato and
Shakespeare. By engaging with these timeless texts, people have the
opportunity to connect with fundamental aspects of existence and transcend
the limitations of their everyday lives. Reading such literature allows
individuals to immerse themselves in essential truths and momentarily
escape the distractions of their transient experiences.

16 :Wendy Northcutt’s statement reflects the genetic principle of inheritance,

suggesting that shorter individuals tend to have shorter children on average
due to the hereditary nature of height. This observation aligns with the
understanding that certain physical traits, including height, can be passed
down from parents to their offspring through genetic mechanisms.

17:The excerpt from the newspaper call-in column reflects a perspective that
downplays the potential threat of chemical and biological weapons from
Saddam Hussein, suggesting that internal divisions within the United States
pose a greater danger to the country’s integrity. It juxtaposes concerns about
external threats with internal societal challenges, implying that the latter are
more significant and destructive to the nation’s core values and foundations.

18:Bill Cosby’s statement humorously suggests that wearing glasses helps

him search for items he frequently misplaces. It plays on the stereotype of
people wearing glasses to improve their vision, implying that in Cosby’s
case, it’s more about finding lost objects than enhancing sight.

19:Phil Jackson and Hugh Delehanty’s observation highlights a common

disparity in the NBA where players with flashy, attention-grabbing skills often
receive large salaries, while those who contribute to team success in quieter,
less flashy ways may earn less. This dynamic can influence young players’
aspirations, with fewer aspiring to be team-oriented players as the financial
rewards appear to favor individualistic play styles

20:Jackie Mason’s anecdote humorously explains how his family ended up

with fourteen children, attributing it to his mother’s hearing impairment and
the resulting miscommunication with his father. It’s a lighthearted way of
illustrating the challenges and quirks of family life while injecting humor into
a seemingly mundane situation.