Critical Analysis Tools

Question 1

9 critical analysis tools:

Answer 1

• tautologies
• circular logic
• begging the question
• ambiguity
• contradiction
• vagary
• red herring
• straw man
• whataboutism

Question 2

Tautologies:

Answer 2

• restate the premise as a conclusion

- true but they don’t say much

Question 3

Circular logic:

Answer 3

beginning an argument where you will end it or returning to a premise to validate your conclusion

Question 4

Begging the question:

Answer 4

conclusion lacking in support so it makes you want to ask the question …

Question 5

Ambiguity:

Answer 5

arguments that can mean more than one thing at once but that don’t specify which meaning they mean

Question 6

Contradiction:

Answer 6

arguments that contain claims that cannot both be true. They require the negation of each other.

Question 7

Vagary:

Answer 7

• arguments that contain claims or phrases for which the meaning is unclear
• different from ambiguity where the meaning is clear but multiple
• here the meaning is unfocused and we are left unsure what the arguer wants to say

Question 8

Red herring:

Answer 8

shifting the topic off your opponent’s point to a related but irrelevant one you think you can win

Question 9

Example of red herring:

Answer 9

• athletic trainer to coach: if this player goes out and plays on her injury, permanent damage will result
• coach: we have to win this game to make playoffs, though

Question 10

Straw man:

Answer 10

bolstering your own argument by investing or mischaracterizing one you can win

Question 11

Whataboutism:

Answer 11

a retort that accuses someone of hypocrisy without proving it