CLFM: tues 9.18.07

1. Argument by example: one or more examples used to support a general statement
Qualities of a good argument by example:
-uses more than one example
-uses accurate examples
-uses represntative examples-represent all in subject
-considers valid counter examples

2. Arguemtns by analogy: argue from one specific case or example to another specific example
Qualities of a good analogy:
-relevant simliarities
-recognizes relevant differences

3. Argument by authority: someone who is qualified in appropriate area, study, or work that this statement is true
Qualities of a good argument by authority:
-presents source
-comes from qualified sources
-uses impartial sources
-considers opposing arguments

4. Arguments about causes: observing that one event or circumstance seems to be related to another event or curcumstance
Qualities of a good argument for cause:
-explains how one circumstance causes another
-proivides the most likely cause
-causes will be complex
-avoids correlation error

5. Deductive Argument: logical arguments about a truth, where if the premises are true, then the conclusion is true.
Qualities of a good deductive argument:
-the premises are true
-the steps in the argument are accurate
-the cause and effect that is implied is accurate


COMMON DECEPTIVE ARGUMENTS
1. bandwagon
2. personal attack
3. scare tactics
4. slanting
5. strawman
6. false testimonial
7. argument from silence
8. circular argument

embedded to deliberative theology....moves to authenticity

-A world view is a set of presuppositions (or assupmtions) which we hold (consciously, or subconciously) about the basic make up of our world.

-Matt. 6:22: "The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are good, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eyes are bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness!"

WORLDVIEWS

They answer basic questions of life
-What's the prime reality-whats really real
-What is a human being?
-What is wrong with humanity
-What happens to a person when they die?
-Is there absolute right or wrong?
-Does human hisotry have any meaning?
KEY QUESTION: What is the source of authority

Common worldviews

1. Deism
-God is like a watchmaker
-created the universe then let it go
-no room for miraculous
-humans aren't fallen, just park of the universe
SOURCE OF AUTHORITY: human mind or reason

2.Dualism
-two equal and independent powers, one good and one bad
-the universe is an endless battleground
-two forces are eternal and independent
-have similar components (existence, intelligence, will) but use them for different purposes
SOURCE OF AUTHORITY: the conscience, innate moral code

3. Naturalism
-all that exists is material matter
-the universe is a closed system
-humans are complex machines
-natural outgrowth of deism
-no more God whatsoever
-the only thing real are those that the 5 sense can sense.
SOURCE OF AUTHORITY: science and the scientific discovery

4. Nihilism
-nothing is important (or has reason), things happen by chance
-all knowledge is based upon unproveable assumptions
-logical conclusion of naturalism
-meaninglessness
SOURCE OF AUTHORITY: chance, feelings, circumstances (so basically none haha)
*Ecclesiasties looks nihilistic: Ecc. 2*

5. Existentialism
-goal: transcend nihilism by finding a purpose
-ultimate purpose found in consciousness
-our goal is to fulfill our potential, rebel against the meaninglessness of life
-to go out a make own purpose because there isn't one given in life
-Atheistic Existentialism: reaction to Nihilism
-Theistic Existentialism: reaction to dead orthodoxy
SOURCE OF AUTHORITY: personal choice (you create purpose and meaning on your own)

6. Eastern Pantheism
-God is in everything (us, books, desks, EVERYTHING) that exists
-goal is oneness with the cosmos
-many (if not all) roads lead to oneness
-focus on being, not doing
-time is unreal, history is cyclical
SOURCE OF AUTHORITY: mystical oneness with the cosmos