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.