Complex Question Fallacyâ€Definition and Examples

A complex question is a  fallacy in which the answer to a given question presupposes a prior answer to a prior question. Also known as (or closely related to) a  loaded question, a trick question, a leading question, the fallacy of the false question, and the fallacy of many questions. Have you stopped beating your wife? is the classic example of the complex question. Ralph Keyes has traced this example back to a 1914 book of legal humor. Since then, he says, it has . . . become the standard allusion to any question that cant be answered without self-incrimination (I Love It When You Talk Retro, 2009). Examples and Observations Lets talk about Glaucon.  Where did you get the poison  you used on him?I never!His whole family died—wife, children, mother, the lot. Surely you feel badly about that?Didymus passed his hand over his eyes. I didnt poison anyone.†(Bruce Macbain,  The Bull Slayer: A Plinius Secundus Mystery. Poisoned Pen Press, 2013)  He was woken two hours later and presently a doctor examined him.What drugs were you on? he asked.Wilt stared at him blankly. Ive never taken any drugs in my life, he muttered.(Tom Sharpe,  Wilt in Nowhere. Hutchinson, 2004)   The Unjustified Presumption Plurium interrogationum, which translates as of many questions, is otherwise known as the fallacy of the complex question. When several questions are combined into one, in such a way that a yes-or-no answer is required, the person they are asked of has no chance to give separate replies to each, and the fallacy of the complex question is committed... Did the pollution you caused increase or decrease your profits?Did your misleading claims result in you getting promoted?Is your stupidity inborn? All of them contain an assumption that the concealed question has already been answered affirmatively. It is this unjustified presumption which constitutes the fallacy... The complex question has to be broken into simpler ones; and often the denial of the fact presumed invalidates the larger question altogether.(Madsen Pirie,  How to Win Every Argument: The Use and Abuse of Logic, 2nd ed. Bloomsbury, 2015)   Trick Questions The fallacy of complex question is the interrogative form of the fallacy of begging the question. Like the latter, it begs the question by assuming the conclusion at issue:Before rushing to answer a complex question, it is best to question the question: a) Have you stopped beating your wife?b) Did John ever give up his bad habits?c) Are you still a heavy drinker? In each of these questions there lies an assumed answer to a previous question. Did John have bad habits? is the unasked question whose answer is assumed in question b. We need to withhold any answer to question b until this prior question has been resolved. In some instances of this fallacy, considerable struggle may be necessary in order to liberate ourselves from the misleading influence of a complex question. The serious consequences of complex questions can be appreciated by considering these trick questions, which would be out of order in a court of law: d) What did you use to wipe your fingerprints from the gun?e) How long had you contemplated this robbery before you carried it out? (S. Morris Engel, With Good Reason: An Introduction to Informal Fallacies, 3rd ed. St. Martins, 1986) An Implicit Argument Although not an argument as such, a complex question involves an implicit argument. This argument is usually intended to trap the respondent into acknowledging something that he or she might otherwise not want to acknowledge. Examples:Obviously, each of the questions is really two questions.(Patrick J. Hurley, A Concise Introduction to Logic. Thomson Wadsworth, 2005) Have you stopped cheating on exams?Where did you hide the marijuana you were smoking?

Online Classes Vs. Traditional Style Writing Classrooms

As technology evolves, the traditional style writing classrooms should do so as well. Students are used to the typical routine, in which an instructor lectures and hands out assignments. However, is that really the most effective way of teaching for all students? Teachers neglect the fact that not all students learn the same way. In learning this, I purpose some changes that could be made in order to increase learning effectively such as; the choice of physical work verses online work, communications and feedback with students, and essays. As we continue with the future, online classes are becoming more and more popular. Students are able to work and continue education with more flexibility. The most common problem with the online class is communication, as well as learning is not always successful. In a recent article by Maria Konnikova, Ziming Liu, a professor at San Jose State University suggests, â€Å"On screen, people tended to browse and scan, to look for keywords, and to rea d in a less linear, more selective fashion. On the page, they tended to concentrate more on following the text.†(Konnikova. Par. 3). Perhaps instead of just an online class, an instructor combine the two. Some parts of the class, such as video lectures should be presented online, and other things like homework or work be done in class. The first more important issue that needs to be addressed is physical work versus online work. Instead of just showing up to a classroom to listen to a lecture, theShow MoreRelatedOnline Classes vs Traditional Classes944 Words   |  4 PagesOnline Classes versus Traditional Classes Technology and education has given students many choices in how they obtain their education such as online classes. 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My World by Justin Bieber free essay sample

My World is the debut album from fifteen year old, pop star Justin Bieber. With great lyrics and irresistable beats, this is a debut album that youll just never want to miss. One Time starts the album off with a nice, danceable mix of pop beats and techno licks to create a very infectious tune which helps to create one of Justins biggest hits EVER. Favorite Girl has a wonderful chorus and a beat thats extremely heart grabbing; not to mention that this song becomes even more special with its very uniquely-put-together lyrics and awesome vocal arrangement. Down to Earth starts off with a pretty piano lead then breaks into some pop fusion but still includes the piano as one of the main instruments. Then, it goes back to just the piano for a wonderful finish. Bigger picks the pace up a little with a very catchy tune. We will write a custom essay sample on My World by Justin Bieber or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Its definitely a song that you and your friends will be dancing and singing to all night long. One Less Lonely Girl is the full package when it comes to the pop genre, and it even includes high flying vocals as a plus. First Dance features Usher, who starts the song off with a very original intro. Then, Justin takes the song into a soft ballad with a techno flavor that makes this song what it is. Love Me starts with some epic techno sounds and goes into a very danceable beat, which is the perfect way to end the album. Bottom line: this album will give every girl listening Bieber Fever. This album mixes the techno and pop sounds to create some total hits that even guys cant resist. This is a great album that totally showcases all of Justins wonderful musical talents. This C.D. is the perfect record to add to anyones collection. Are you ready to catch the fever? Enjoy!