Thursday 9/19
Truth Phobic Language I
Readings
Notes
Synopsis
Our discussion of the truth-tropic properties of language reveals that language has an objective, structural property we can rigorously define and for which we can test which ensures that truths will only lead us to truths. We call this property 'validity', and it is the first part of our effort to defend Socrates against the charge that he makes the weaker argument appear the stronger.
The second part&emdash;since he is being charged with misleading his audience and interlocutors&emdash;is to understand the ways in which the power of language can be employed, maliciously perhaps, to steer us away from the truth.
The truth-phobic part of our discussion falls under the traditional topic of fallacious argumentation.
Today we began our discussion of fallacious arguments by defining the elements of an argumentative context and considering such fallacies as,
- Genetic Fallacy
- Abusive ad Hominem
- Circumstantial ad Hominem
- Appeal to (Inappropriate) Authority
- Appeal to Pity
- Appeal to the Masses
- Appeal to Force
- Appeal to Pity
We have more to consider besides these, so we will continue this discussion next time. By the way, the discussion today was superb: lots of interesting questions, examples, and counter-examples.
As a result, we're running a bit behind, but I'm not in the least bit worried about it. I don't want to adjust our schedule just yet to see if we can make up some lost time next week. I'm not, that is to say, wedded to our schedule. We can adjust as need be. What's important is to be sure that you follow our discussions as best you can.