METHODS OF

PHILOSOPIZING
Prepared by: LESLIE MONICA M. REYES
 ACTIVITY
Create a Pie Chart to figure out the components for an
objective evaluation of an argument. Allot a percentage
for each component. (10 minutes)
Criteria for Evaluating Arguments (F.E.L.T.)
•Fairness
•Evidence
•Logic
•Tone
After doing the activity, a representative in each
group will present their output to the class.
Argument: The speaker states a claim
supported by reasons and evidence

Claim: The speaker’s position on a

problem or an issue

Support: Reasons and evidence used to

prove the claim
The strength of an argument relies on the
support/evidence, not the actual “claim.”
Reasons: Declarations made to explain an
action or belief

Evidence: A claim can be supported with:

• Facts and statistics
• Expert opinions
• Examples
• Explanations
• Logical reasoning
 PERSUASIVE TECHNIQUES
Persuasive techniques are used to get people to
believe your argument or claim. There are three
major types:
Criteria for Evaluating
Arguments
• Fairness
• Evidence
• Logic
• Tone
Fairness- Is the argument fair and
balanced, or does it contain bias?
•Is the argument overly emotional and
filled with loaded language?
•Is the argument one-sided?
•Are there alternative points of view
not addressed?
Evidence- Are the given premises
reliable and relevant?

Logic- Are the arguments

thoroughly explained?

•Do they contain gaps in reasoning

or logical fallacies?
Tone- Is the attitude of the writer
appropriate for the
content? For example, is it too
serious? Is it too sarcastic or
dismissive? Is it overly
dramatic?
 How to evaluate an argument?
1. Identify the conclusion and the premises.
2. Put the argument in standard form.
3. Decide if the argument is deductive or non-
deductive.
4. Determine whether the argument succeeds
logically.
5. If the argument succeeds logically, assess
whether the premises are true....
6. Make a final judgement: is the argument good or
bad?
 EXAMPLE
“I am now convinced that we are
perilously close to the end of civilization.
William Shatner sold his kidney on Ebay
for $25,000.”

CLAIM: I am now convinced that we are

perilously close to the end of civilization.
EVIDENCE: William Shatner sold his
kidney on Ebay for $25,000.

CONCLUSION: Argument by Example,

absurd acts like selling body parts on
Ebay illustrate that our civilization is
teetering on the edge.
 APPLICATION

DIRECTIONS: There are three (3)

arguments in the context of political,
economic, socio-cultural and
environmental situations in the
Philippines. Evaluate each argument
using the FELT Framework
Argument #1
“Volatility in the stock market will probably persist for the
foreseeable future. In a global economy, changing circumstances
anywhere in the world can create uncertainty.”
Argument #2
“The U.N. Human Rights Commission and Amnesty International
both claim conditions at camp X-Ray amount to torture, therefore
the United States should close the prison and either release or
formally charge all the detainees being held there.”
Argument #3
“George Bush doesn’t care about black people” Kanye West.
ASSIGNMENT/ AGREEMENT
Continue your research in
preparation for the class debate.
• TOPIC/ISSUE: Should cell phones be
used during class?
You may also ask the school
community: teachers, students,
Personnel/Staff and School head
with regards to their stand about
the topic/issue.