PHIL 347 Week 4 Assignment: Journal

PHIL 347 Week 4 Assignment: Journal

Student Name

Chamberlain University

PHIL-347: Critical Reasoning

Prof. Name:

Date

Week 4 Assignment: Journal Inference

Inductive and deductive reasoning, like the terms “valid” and “warranted,” are primarily concerned with reaching the correct conclusion. These concepts share similarities because both aim to justify a topic. Deductive reasoning is focused on the hypotheses of research, while inductive reasoning revolves around forming new hypotheses based on data. These terms can be interpreted differently depending on their context. For example, one might say, “Mary’s test results are not valid because she cheated.” The word “valid” is used differently in another context: “He made a valid remark by bringing up an event from last year.” Similarly, “warranted” can be used in the sentence, “John’s actions warranted that he be sent home from work,” yet it can also refer to a legal context, such as, “He received a warrant from the court.” Both terms have similar origins but are applied in distinct ways, depending on their context.

Fallacies

Learning how to identify fallacies and understanding their faulty logic is crucial in assessing arguments (Facione & Gittens, 2016). This is helpful because recognizing fallacies enables us to comprehend the flaws in reasoning. For example, the following statement is fallacious: “Anyone that is imprisoned can still be innocent, as understanding one’s condition is true freedom. The more you are aware of yourself, the more you are completely free” (Facione & Gittens, 2016). The absurdity of this argument lies in the idea that people in prison can be free based solely on self-awareness. While understanding oneself can bring freedom, the statement overlooks the fact that being imprisoned restricts physical freedom, rendering the argument illogical.

Civic Responsibilities

The healthcare system in the United States has long been a subject of debate. One significant issue is whether the U.S. should adopt a free healthcare system like many other nations, many of which are less developed and wealthier than the U.S. Despite this, they have managed to provide better healthcare to their citizens. Tasks like the one mentioned in the assignment require extensive time and research. Given that the debate occurred in 2009, more than a decade ago, its relevance might be questioned. However, revisiting this issue could offer insights into how our healthcare system operates today and what current policies are in place. In light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, having access to healthcare coverage is more critical than ever, as it helps people manage hospital bills, doctor’s visits, and medication costs. During a health crisis, the government must reassess the cost of healthcare and create affordable plans for the uninsured. In my experience working in a doctor’s office, I witness daily the struggle patients face when they cannot afford their copays or prescriptions. This situation often saddens me, and although I try to help by providing copay cards or discount websites, the reality is that these efforts are not always sufficient. Many people without healthcare avoid seeking treatment because they fear accumulating medical bills that they cannot afford, which can mean the difference between life and death.

References

Facione, P. A., & Gittens, C. A. (2016). Think critically (3rd ed.). Pearson.

PHIL 347 Week 4 Assignment: Journal