Two Sides of the Same Coin

Thinking Logically using reason.

Context
In this exercise we will look at the nature of reasoning. The steps that many people take in reasoning through an issue can be linked to the work of the scientific method.

Aim•To investigate the extent to which logical thinking is influenced by the subject matter.

Use the New York Times Opinonator as a guide to your group assignment


In advance of your groups presentation you must have
1. A news story contain at least two different position. The story can be of a single event or a long standing conflict.
2. Photocopies of two news articles that take a different position. You will need one copy of the two stories for each student in class.
3. Two Youtube video clips that support the two opposing positions. Since you will not have access to youtube in school these links must be emailed to my school email
rsmullen@commack.k12.ny.us before you presentation.

Deductive Reasoning means determining the conclusion. It is using the rule and its precondition to make a conclusion. Example: "When it rains, the grass gets wet. It rains. Thus, the grass is wet." Mathematicians are commonly associated with this style of reasoning.
Inductive Reasoning means determining the rule. It is learning the rule after numerous examples of the conclusion following the precondition. Example: "The grass has been wet every time it has rained. Thus, when it rains, the grass gets wet." Scientists are commonly associated with this style of reasoning.
Abductive Reasoning means determining the precondition. It is using the conclusion and the rule to support that the precondition could explain the conclusion. Example: "When it rains, the grass gets wet. The grass is wet, it must have rained." Diagnosticians and detectives are commonly associated with this style of reasoning.

4. Take a group position on the topic. Discuss why, given that there are two positions, your group choice its position. In your discussion references can be made to the importance of form and content in logical reasoning, and how this may affect the building of knowledge.

5. Construction of one question to be ask of the students in class. Students answers write down without collaborating, and then to report them back to the whole class.

Discussion
• Compare your answer of the question to the classes. Justify your choices that lead your group to its position.
• Please consider when interacting with the group what difference of opinion/position means. Does your groups or the classes position reflect something about human thinking in general?


Helpful links
Youtube
Online Newspapers
Blogs