Site MapHelpFeedbackChapter Outline
Chapter Outline
(See related pages)

Following are the main learning objectives from the chapter.
Finding the Right Words: The Need for Precision
  1. Students should understand that a failure to use precise language often leads to confusion and misunderstanding.
  2. Student should understand the concept of Vagueness and be able to identify instances of vague words. To this end, students should understand that . . .
    1. A word (or group of words) is vague when its meaning is fuzzy or inexact;
    2. Vague words typically divide things into three classes including:
      1. Those things to which the word clearly applies;
      2. Those things to which the word clearly does not apply;
      3. Those things to which the word may or may not apply (i.e. borderline cases);
    3. Vagueness admits of degrees. Though nearly all words are vague, some are more so than others.
    4. Though vague words are not always inappropriate, vague words should generally be avoided.
  3. Students should understand the concept of overgenerality and be able to identify instances of overgeneral words. To this end, students should learn to . . .
    1. distinguish overgenerality from vagueness and understand that . . .
      1. words are overgeneral if they are not specific enough in a given context.
  4. Students should understand the concept of ambiguity and be able to identify instances of ambiguous words and expressions. To this end, students should . . .
    1. understand that word or expression is ambiguous when it has two or more distinct meanings and where the context does not make clear which meaning is intended;
    2. understand how the use of ambiguous terms and expressions can contribute to misunderstanding and destroy the effectiveness of arguments;
    3. be able to distinguish ambiguity from vagueness and overgenerality;
    4. understand the distinction between a semantic ambiguity and a syntactical ambiguity or amphiboly.
    5. understand how ambiguity can lead to a verbal dispute and be able to distinguish such a case from a factual dispute.
The Importance of Precise Definitions
  1. Students should understand that arguments often depend upon clear and accurate definitions and note that . . .
    1. terms often need to be defined before a position is advanced.
  2. Students should be familiar with the different types of definitions. Students should be able to identify. . .
    1. a stipulative definition;
    2. a persuasive definition;
    3. a lexical definition;
    4. a precising definition.
  3. Students should be able to apply the different strategies for defining. To this end, students should . . .
    1. be able to develop ostensive definitions;
    2. produce enumerative definitions;
    3. be proficient at formulating a definition by subclass;
    4. be able to trace a term's etymology;
    5. be able to provide a synonym for a word;
    6. be able to define a term by genus and difference;
      1. avoid making definitions too broad or narrow;
      2. convey the essential meaning of the word being defined;
      3. provide a context for ambiguous words;
      4. avoid slanted definitions;
      5. avoid figurative definitions;
      6. avoid needlessly obscure definitions;
      7. avoid circular definitions.
Emotive Language: Slanting the Truth
  1. Students should understand the impact of emotive force on the meaning of words and phrases and . . .
    1. understand and recognize the difference between conveying information and appealing to feelings.
  2. Students should understand the concepts of denotation and connotation and be able to . . .
    1. recognize when an author appears to be using an emotive word unfairly to manipulate the reader;
    2. recognize when a is term likely to call for justification;
    3. identify when there is a more neutral way to make the same point;
Euphemisms and Political Correctness
  1. Students should understand euphemisms and how they are used to alter or obscure the meaning of a passage. To this end, students should . . .
    1. recognize when euphemisms are used to manipulate or confuse an audience;
    2. recognize when euphemisms serve the function of making language more accurate;
    3. recognize instances of political correctness.







BasshamOnline Learning Center

Home > Chapter 4 > Chapter Outline