Phil 145: Information on Portfolio II

Portfolio II is just like portfolio I, with the following exceptions (I strongly suggest you re-read the portfolio I description, as it may have changed):

  1. At least half (4) of the examples must rely on analyses in the 2nd half of the course (i.e. material covered in chapter 4 or later of HWK and chapter 6 or later of RED).
  2. You should not repeat any of the examples from portfolio I, although you may use the same error categories again.
  3. When discussing generalization, IBE, etc. provide critiques that are appropriate to that kind of problem. Just because an argument generalizes doesn't mean it's poor.
  4. To essentially restate 3.: Don't just give examples of abduction, generalization, etc. analyze them. Say why it's a poor example of abduction, generalization, etc. (this isn't simply because it's wrong, if it happens to be).

Error types include: IBE, asymmetries, theories failing the criteria for good theories (only one instance of this should be used), all the pitfalls of statistical data, sharpening and leveling & related, inaccurate social support, problems with fully-controlled and statistical studies, self-handicapping (you need to explain *why* these and related kinds of examples are errors by reference to other categories - that is, 'self-handicapping' isn't a reasoning error itself, but it is problematic because it relies on other reasoning errors: you have to state the errors it relies on and explain how they introduce problems), etc.

Here are some examples.

Note on avoidance of academic offenses:
All students registered in the courses of the Faculty of arts are expected to know what constitutes an academic offense, to avoid committing academic offenses, and to take responsibility for their academic actions. When the commission of an offense is established, it will be acknowledged by disciplinary penalties. For information on categories of offenses and types of penalties, students are directed to consult the summary of Policy #71 (Student Academic Discipline) which is supplied in the Undergraduate Calendar (p. 1:11). (see here for more info)