Another Common Fallacious Argument [2]

  

     Often, I notice that people use euphemisms when making a reference to a serious matter. They do this in order to make their argument sound stronger and create the appearance of a good argument. However this is very fallacious because it is essentially lying or making something sound good when it is not. Some examples of a euphemism used in this way: The lab rat wasn't killed, it was sacrificed. The death of innocent bystanders is collateral damage. Mass murder wasn't genocide, it was ethnic cleansing. and so forth. I do think that euphemisms are great tools to use in writing or sometimes when expressing a concern; however, this is not a good method to utilize when conducting an argument because it can often make you appear weak. Just by using semantics and calling one thing another, one cannot create a deeper or more concrete argument but actually the opposite. When one uses a euphemism the argument becomes dull and perhaps in these examples, atrocious. Again, euphemisms themselves are not fallacious, but often when used in an argument it can make one appear biased.

The Common Fallacious Argument

  

     I came across an Ad Hominem (Argument To The Man) recently when studying common fallacies in arguments. The Ad Hominem argument is attacking the person rather than the person's argument itself. The argument was in response to a woman advocating vegetarianism. The man speaking to her was against vegetarianism and made an attack upon the vegetarian's insecurity, rather than actually retorting to her argument. The fallacious arguer  asked, "How can you argue for vegetarianism when you wear leather shoes ?" and this statement has nothing to do with how vegetarianism can be arguably good for one's body or the environment. Regardless if this vegetarian woman wore leather shoes that does not mean that she is not supporting vegetarianism. Therefore, the one against vegetarianism uses an Ad Hominem argument with the bit about leather shoes because he is attacking the vegetarian's character, honesty, and prying upon an insecurity.

English 102: A Reflection

     It is quite uncanny that our class is already over and that this is my last assignment for our short summer intercession. We studied many works from different backgrounds such Greek drama to the English Renaissance, and in a short time. I am definitely going to remember this class because it is what dragged me back to reading books again. Before this class I had defaulted upon reading literature, unless for classes; however, now I want to read for pure enjoyment and for the betterment of my own vocabulary. I feel that reading more will make me a stronger person, mentally, and allow me to focus on things better. I was also introduced to some famous poetry, and writers, that I had not read yet. Plays like Oedipus and reading Edgar Allan Poe's "Annabel Lee' really left an impact on me. I will forever be permitted to say that I have read such works and I can speak in intellectual discussions regarding them. This introduction to famous literature and other materials helped me to realize that there is a lot of religious symbolism in poetry, plays, and other short stories. I feel better adapted and even equipped to analyze any symbolic readings. All in all, I enjoyed this class very much; indeed, the professor was helpful and I felt a fair grader. While the final and mid-term was a curved grade, I thought that knowing the quotes cut from the reading, on the tests was a bit tough for me to get exactly right. However tough it was at times, I did take much good from his class and I value my experience this semester.

William Shakespeare's "The Tempest" - Lighthearted or a Serious Drama?

     "The Tempest" by William Shakespeare is a more lighthearted, escapist work than a serious drama because the story ends happily, in my opinion. In the beginning there is immediate conflict with a boat wreckage and Prospero telling his sad life story to his daughter Miranda. Indeed, while these factors indicate undertones of a serious drama, I believe that because the story ends on a happy note, that "The Tempest" is a much more lighthearted play. It ended happily as Prospero reclaimed his title as Duke of Milan and his own daughter married the Duke of Naples' son. Not only does Prospero regain his power, but his daughter's new found relationship with Ferdinand (son of the Duke of Naples) expels any animosity between Prospero and the Duke of Naples. While the supernatural regarding spirit-ism and magic can often relay themes of evil or negativity, "The Tempest" delves into the matter quite smoothly and gives a pretty picture of spirit-ism with its own example of Ariel. Ariel is described as kind, wanting to be freed, and benevolent. This description of such a spirit does not give credence to equivocating spirits with devils, but does indicate a more lighthearted view of magic and spirit ism.  Therefore, while the subject matter is heavy in its material and subjects, it is lighthearted because of its presentation of such topics. It is also very escapist in its approach because it is so fantastic. The nature of it is fantasy and therefore this may allow readers to find their own escape upon reading, or watching the play of  Shakespeare's "The Tempest."