Three

Justificatory Propositions
If you have not read the following readings posted to the Assignments folder on Blackboard, then you should do so before proceeding: Reasoning Justificatory Reasoning Reasons versus Evidence Propositions Premises Analyze the assigned readings for this week. Consider the following: What is the propositionvariously known as the thesis, hypothesis, main point, position, argument, proposal, conclusion--of each of the readings? Is there any indicationfor example in the text, in footnotes, in the differences between assigned readingsthat other scholars do not agree with everything the author says? For example, are there indications that others might disagree with the authors proposition, or one or more of the authors reasons, explanations, or evidence? Taking these points of scholarly disagreement into account, as well as your classs own points of agreement and disagreement with the research text, formulate three justificatory propositions. A justificatory proposition sets out to persuade its readers to change their way of thinking or feeling about something. It imagines readers variously like jurors who have been sequestered from knowledge of the case (have as yet no opinion) or like opponents in a debate or like colleagues who do not altogether agree with the writer but are genuinely committed to working together to find the best way to feel or think about the particular idea. There are various approaches to finding a justificatory proposition. Along with simply disagreeing with the writers proposition, reasons, explanations, or evidence, you might also closely examine the assumptions (premises) they take for granted when they begin their essay or chapter. For example, writers on the death penalty, pro or con, take for granted that their readers support imprisonment or that they see punishment itself as an act of justice. Undoing linksalso known as dissociationis one of the main methods scholars, among others, can use to disable anothers argument. A more noble and typical use of the strategy of dissociation is to examine the links closely looking for logical fault lines that need to be addressed. Often when one identifies a linkage problem, new ideas and approaches ensue. Some examples of justificatory propositions are: Cruel humor facilitates prejudice. U.S. citizens should not own guns. Grammar and mechanics should not be taught in writing courses. When you have formulated three justificatory propositions, based on readings for your course, you may begin coming up with reasons and evidence to support your claims. Time permitting, examine the premises you are taking for granted in making and supporting your claims.

Three Justificatory Propositions