Feb. 15 2012

Phil 1301 Sec 02 - Angelette

Ms. Jane Student

 

Target Article:

 Dogs like Pie (1999) Journal of Psychiatry and Philosophy Vol. II. p. 213

1)         Abstract:

I argue that some dogs like pies and refute the universal claim held by Saddler.

2)         Focus: Dogs and pies.

a)         Argument:

Saddler (1999) claims that all dogs like pie on the basis of the following:

                        i.    All dogs like pies. (p. 213)

                        ii.   Pies are great. (p. 213)

                        iii.  The author’s dog likes pies. (p. 213)

iv. Therefore, all dogs like pies.

            b)     Problem:

The author assumes what he claims. Saddler’s argument is circular.

            c)     Proposed solution:

We can reconstruct the argument without the universal claim, and make a case for the weaker claim that some dogs like pies.

i.       Saddler says that his dog likes pies.

ii.     We can trust testimony about observations.

iii.    Saddler’s dog likes pies.

iv.     Therefore, at least one dog likes pies.

            d)     Problems with your solution:

Strawman. My interpretation of the article may be wrong with respect to the universal claim, “All dogs like pies.” Is this really assumed by the author?

            e)     Possible responses.

Although my original interpretation of the author may be wrong, this complaint with regard to the proposed solution does not refute the new claim on offer, i.e., some dogs like pie.

3)     Summary:

I've argued that Saddler commits a logical fallacy by assuming the very issue that he proposes to argue. Although, there may be only circumstantial evidence for this assumption, it may still be argued that a weaker claim, to the effect that some dogs like pies, is available.

4)  Citations:   

           

a)     Bibliography

Cardin, Pierre (2001) Dogs hate Pie, Annals of Biology Vol. IV p 222

Ernie, Brother (2010) Metaphysics, Psyche, Vol. 1 no. 1 p 2-15

Prince, Robert (2002) Logic, Ithaca, NY: Cornell University Press

Saddler, Dough (1999) Dogs like Pie, Journal of Psychiatry and Philosophy Vol. II. p. 213

           

b)     Selected quotes

"So, all dogs must like pie [sic] . . ." Saddler 1999 p 213

"Some dogs like pies." Ernie 2110 p 2

“Pie is not a food that most dogs will eat.” Ernie 2010 p 5

 

 

 

 

Journal of Psychiatry and Philosophy (1999) Vol. II. p. 213

 

                                         

 

 

 

Dogs like Pie

 

By

 

 

Dough Saddler

 

 

 

Abstract

 

I argue that dogs like pie on the basis of my observation of rover.

 

It is often believed that dogs like meat. But, my observations of rover suggest otherwise. Rover is a big dog with bright shiny teeth. He likes pies. Pies are good to eat. I like pies. Pies are great.

 

My dog can be found staring at pies whenever there is one in the oven. Gosh he's the best dog ever. So, all dogs must like pies just like my dog.

 

All dogs like pies and they don't like meat.