Logical and Critical Thinking - Week 5 & 6

WEEK5 5 - Logical and Critical Thinking Logic LOGIC Logic is a term used to describe our perspectives of reasoning regarding specific propositions, which we accepted as true or false. Logic is simply the study of the forms of correct inference, that is, an inference of the truth or falsity of a prop...

WEEK5 5 - Logical and Critical Thinking Logic LOGIC Logic is a term used to describe our perspectives of reasoning regarding specific propositions, which we accepted as true or false. Logic is simply the study of the forms of correct inference, that is, an inference of the truth or falsity of a proposition. the human capability of making logical inferences enables their perception of happenings to be true or false without directly experiencing the phenomenon/ situation. for instance, the following analogy has been created by Mosley and Baltazar (2019): Although we might infer the truth of the proposition, \"It is raining outside", from the wet raincoat and wet umbrella, normally we could still establish its truth or falsity independently by simply walking outside. But this kind of direct observation is not always possible. Suppose, for instance, that the safe in Jones\' house has been robbed and we suspect Brown. Since the robbery has already taken place, it is not possible to directly observe who committed the robbery. The actual commission of the robbery is a historical fact no longer available to direct observation. This, however, does not mean that it is impossible to determine the truth as to whether Brown committed the robbery. It merely means that establishing who committed the robbery by direct observation is impossible. But by using logic, it is possible to infer whether or not Brown committed the robbery. Suppose the police are called and they find fresh fingerprints on the safe. If those fingerprints match fingerprints previously taken from Brown\'s hands, then, it is reasonable for them to conclude that Brown robbed the safe. In court, the prosecutor could argue from the fact that Brown\'s fingerprints were on the safe (and other facts, e.g., that Brown had no witnesses to establish where he was at the time of the robbery, and that Brown had a history of robberies) to the conclusion that Brown robbed the safe in Jones\' house. Brown\'s defense attorney, on the other hand, could present arguments to show that Brown\'s fingerprints on the safe were not sufficient evidence to conclude that Brown had robbed the safe. For example, what if Brown may have accidentally touched the safe while cleaning around it? What if Brown, with Jones' permission, had recently looked inside the safe at a rare coin? From the analogy, it is obvious that facts are not only discernible from experience but by virtue of inference from already existing facts. We depend on inferences in everyday interactional exchanges with one another. We often draw inferences about other people\'s intentions based on their actions. Hence, we can say that a person's intention is the product of our observation. 1. Rationality Understanding Rationality Being rational involves trying to understand and interpret other people\'s actions and inactions based on present, past and future situations, and from a particular case to other similar cases. Let\'s examine the Illustration below: If you see Tamara walk to a window, open it, and climb out onto the ledge, in order to know what Tamara intends requires that you engage in inquiry. You might ask her why she is climbing onto the window ledge. Your question might elicit one of the following responses: (1) the dirty window panes irritate her, and she is climbing onto the ledge in order to clean them; (2) the building is on fire and all exits are blocked except the windows; or (3) she has grown tired of the loneliness and futility of life and has decided to commit suicide (Mosley & Baltazar, 2019). From the illustration above, it could be inferred that the interpretation/ judgement of Tamara\'s actions is based on the expected social norm as well as possible past occurrences which are related to the present action. 2. References Mosley, A. & Baltazar, E. (2019). An Introduction to Logic: From Everyday Life to Formal Systems. Northampton, Massachusetts. WEEK6 6 - Ethical Considerations, Copyright Rules and Infringements Ethical Issues in Advanced Writing 1. An Overview This simply means the moral considerations and principles that direct the production, distribution, and reception of written information at an advanced level are the subject of ethical issues in advanced writing. These issues transcend simple grammatical and stylistic guidelines; they also deal with the ethical and responsible use of information, engaging with different points of view, and the general effects of written communication on different audiences. this mean every writer must be conscious of the general outpour of their writings. When it comes to advanced writing, ethical issues are vital in forming the conversation and guaranteeing appropriate communication. Plagiarism, or taking someone else\'s work without giving due credit, is a serious ethical dilemma. Johnson (2018) contends that plagiarism reduces the value of original thought and compromises the integrity of academic work. To uphold ethical standards in their writing, writers need to be careful to include proper sources for any information and ideas they borrow. Writers preserve the validity of their own work and show respect for the original creators by recognizing the intellectual contributions of others. 1.1. Proper Use of Data The proper use of data and research findings is another ethical dilemma that comes up in advanced writing. Because misrepresentation can result in disinformation, Smith and Brown (2020) stress the significance of appropriately expressing study results and avoiding selective reporting. To guarantee that information is disseminated ethically, writers should critically assess the sources they use and convey facts in a transparent manner. Writers should also be aware of any conflicts of interest and declare any relationships or funding sources that might have an impact on their work (Jones, 2019). Writers support a transparent and trustworthy culture in academic and professional settings by addressing these ethical issues. 1.2. Cultural sensitivity and inclusion Cultural sensitivity and inclusion are crucial ethical factors in advanced writing. In order to prevent reinforcing prejudices or preconceptions, writers need to be conscious of the possible effects of their writing on a variety of audiences. Garcia (2021) contends that effective ethical communication requires an understanding of the cultural background of both the writer and the audience. Proficient authors ought to endeavor to foster inclusiveness by utilizing terminology that honors variety and by steering clear of prejudicial wording or presumptions. In addition to providing correct information, ethical writing entails using language and cultural sensitivity to create a welcoming and courteous atmosphere. In summary, there are many different ethical factors to take into account when writing at an advanced level, including cultural sensitivity, appropriate data usage, plagiarism and others. Integrity is the first priority for writers, and they should demonstrate this by citing their sources, accurately summarizing study findings, and encouraging inclusivity. Advanced writers are expected to create a responsible and reliable discourse in both academic and professional settings by addressing these ethical issues. 2. Types of Ethical Issues in Advanced Writing: Types of Ethical Issues in Advanced Writing: Plagiarism: Presenting someone else\'s ideas, words, or work without proper attribution. Ethical Concern: Plagiarism undermines the integrity of writing and diminishes the value of original thought (Johnson, 2018) Selective Reporting: Choosing to highlight certain data or perspectives while neglecting others to create a biased narrative. Ethical Concern: Selective reporting can mislead readers and contribute to the dissemination of incomplete or inaccurate information. Cultural Sensitivity and Inclusivity: Ensuring that language and representations in writing are respectful, inclusive, and free from stereotypes. Ethical Concern: Lack of cultural sensitivity can perpetuate biases and create an unwelcoming environment for diverse audiences (Garcia, 2021). Responsible Use of Data: Transparently and accurately presenting research findings and data, avoiding manipulation or misrepresentation. Ethical Concern: Misuse of data can lead to misinformation, eroding the trustworthiness of the written content (Smith & Brown, 2020). Conflict of Interest: Undisclosed personal, financial, or professional interests that may influence the objectivity of the writing. Ethical Concern: Failure to disclose conflicts of interest can compromise the credibility of the writer and the work (Jones, 2019). Copyright Rules 1. Copyright Infringement In writing, copyright issues are paramount to ensure ethical and legal standards are upheld. Copyright, as defined by Johnson (2020), is the legal protection granted to original works of authorship, giving creators exclusive rights to reproduce, distribute, and display their creations. Writers at an advanced level must be vigilant in respecting these rights, avoiding infringement, and properly attributing sources to uphold the integrity of their work. One key concern in writing is the inadvertent violation or infringement of copyright through improper citation or failure to obtain permission for the use of copyrighted material. As noted by Smith and Jones (2019), failing to acknowledge the original creators and secure necessary permissions can result in legal consequences and ethical dilemmas. This means as a writer, one should adopt a meticulous approach to citation, adhering to established style guides and seeking permissions when incorporating substantial portions of copyrighted text, images, or other creative works into their own compositions. Moreover, the advent of digital technology has brought about new challenges in copyright issues, such as online piracy and unauthorized distribution of intellectual property. With the ease of copying and sharing content online, writers need to be aware of the ethical implications of accessing and using digital material without proper authorization. As highlighted by Brown (2021), understanding the rules of digital copyright and employing best practices in online research and citation are essential for writers to avoid a theft of intellectual property in the digital age. In summary, copyright issues are central to advanced writing, requiring writers to be well-versed in legal and ethical considerations. By respecting copyright laws, providing accurate citations, and obtaining permissions when necessary, writers can contribute to a culture of intellectual honesty and integrity in their academic and professional endeavors. Plagiarism, Types and its Consequences 1. Definition Presenting someone else\'s words, ideas, or work as one\'s own without giving due credit is known as plagiarism. This is considered to be a significant ethical infraction in academic writing (Johnson, 2018). Academic dishonesty can take many different forms, such as copying something verbatim without citing it or paraphrasing without citing the original source. Plagiarism essentially erodes the core values of integrity and originality that serve as the cornerstone of academic communication.ir academic and professional endeavors. 2. Consequences or Penalties for Plagiarism Penalties for plagiarism can vary depending on the educational institution, the severity of the plagiarism, and the policies in place. Common penalties may include: 1. Academic Warning: For minor instances of plagiarism, a student may receive an academic warning. This serves as a formal notice that the work was not appropriately cited, and it emphasizes the importance of adhering to academic integrity standards. 2. Grade Deduction: In many cases, instructors may deduct points or assign a lower grade for the specific assignment or paper in which plagiarism occurred. The severity of the deduction often depends on the extent of the plagiarism and whether it was a first-time offense. 3. Course Failure: In more serious cases, especially for repeated instances of plagiarism or instances involving a significant portion of the work, a student may fail the entire course. This can have implications for academic progression and may require the student to retake the course. 4. Academic Probation: Repeated instances of plagiarism or a severe breach of academic integrity may lead to academic probation. During this period, a student is closely monitored, and further violations may result in more severe consequences. 5. Educational Sanctions: Some institutions impose educational sanctions, such as requiring students to take an ethics or academic integrity course. This aims to educate students about proper citation practices and the importance of academic honesty. 6. Suspension: In cases of serious or repeated plagiarism, a student may face suspension from the institution for a specified period. During this time, the student is not allowed to attend classes or participate in academic activities. 7. Expulsion: The most severe consequence is expulsion from the institution, which permanently terminates a student\'s enrollment. This action is typically reserved for extreme cases of plagiarism or repeated violations of academic integrit 2.1. Types of Plagiarism and Its Ethical Concern Copy-Paste Plagiarism: Directly lifting sections of text from a source without using quotation marks or providing proper citation. Ethical Concern: Failing to acknowledge the source diminishes the credibility of the writer and compromises the integrity of the work. Paraphrasing Without Attribution: Rewriting someone else\'s ideas in one\'s own words without giving credit to the original source. Ethical Concern: Although the text is rephrased, not providing proper attribution constitutes plagiarism by presenting the ideas as if they were the writer\'s own. Patchwriting: Merging phrases or sentences from multiple sources without proper integration or citation. Ethical Concern: While attempting to rephrase, patchwriting lacks originality and proper attribution, constituting a form of plagiarism (Howard, 1995). Self-Plagiarism: Submitting one\'s own previously published work or parts of it as new without proper citation. Ethical Concern: Even though it involves the writer\'s own work, self-plagiarism misrepresents the novelty and originality of the current piece. References Garcia, C. (2021). Cultural Sensitivity in Advanced Writing: A Guide for Writers. Oxford University Press. Howard, R. M. (1995). Plagiarisms, authorships, and the academic death penalty. College English, 57(7), 788-806. Johnson, A. (2018). Plagiarism and Academic Integrity: A Practical Guide. Academic Press. Jones, M. (2019). Avoiding Conflicts of Interest in Academic Writing. Journal of Ethics in Writing, 15(2), 45-62. Smith, R., & Brown, L. (2020). Ethics in Research and Writing: A Comprehensive Guide. Cambridge University Press.