Conditional syllogism is a deductive reasoning method that involves two premises and a conclusion. In this method, we use the if-then statements to draw a conclusion. This type of reasoning is commonly used in mathematics, logic, and computer programming. First, let us explore the basics of conditional syllogism and how it works. The Basics of …
The Broken Window Fallacy is a concept that explains why destroying something or repairing damages does not benefit the economy. This idea was first introduced by French economist, Frederic Bastiat in 1850. Bastiat first introduced the Broken Window Fallacy in his essay “What is Seen and What Is Not Seen.” In this essay, Bastiat used …
A constructive dilemma is a form of logical argument that presents the audience with two options, both of which result in a favorable outcome. This type of syllogism allows the reader or listener to choose between two desirable alternatives without any negative consequences. Essentially, it is a method of reasoning that enables individuals to decide …
One of the most common fallacies people commit when reasoning is the personal incredulity fallacy. This error in thinking occurs when someone believes something is not true or possible simply because they cannot believe it themselves. For example, imagine someone who has never seen the ocean before. When they hear about the vast expanse of …
Plausible deniability is a concept that refers to a situation where a person can deny any involvement in an illegal or unethical activity because there is not enough evidence to prove otherwise. It is often used as a defense mechanism to protect people in positions of power or authority. This concept frequently arises in legal …
Have you ever been in a conversation where someone tells you to change your tone instead of addressing the content of your message? This is known as tone policing, a tactic that dismisses or discredits an argument based on how it’s being presented rather than the argument itself. Tone policing is a form of ad …
Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you were forced to do something just because someone in authority told you to? This is a classic example of the Ad Baculum fallacy. Also referred to as Appeal to Force, Ad Baculum fallacy is a common logical fallacy that occurs when someone uses threats or …
The totality of events and actions that take place within a culture determines what is possible within a community. In particular, institutional practices, norms, and values set precedence for what is expected of people in a society. As such, it is imperative that individuals learn about these issues in order to achieve maximum social acceptance. …
American anthropologist, Edward Hall, coined the cultural iceberg analogy whereby he compared culture to enigmatic icebergs. The mystery surrounding these glacially-derived rocks is not their gigantic size, but rather their deceiving appearance. Only 10% of an iceberg floats above the water surface, while the remaining 90% remains underneath the surface. Therefore, it is impossible to …
In the words of Edward Twitchell Hall, a renowned cross-cultural anthropologist, culture is mankind’s medium. It cuts across all aspects of human life, influencing how people express themselves, think, their personalities, and how they move. Ideally, culture refers to a set of feelings, practices, and beliefs that tie people together. It represents all aspects of …