ANSWER
The argument presented in this article is that journalists today have to resist the temptation of self-importance and respond to praise from readers who share the same opinions in the age of Donald Trump (Smith, 2020). The writer warns that if journalists succumb to the temptation of wanting to be praised and validated, they will be playing into Trump’s hands, as he is trying to put the media on the ballot in November. Smith (2020) further argues that journalists need to focus on reporting the facts and not indulge in their self-importance and that they should be clear about where they are coming from and where they are not. The writer also argues that the best way to resist Trump’s attack on democratic institutions is to focus on his dangerous actions rather than his outrageous comments. Those journalists should strive to be independent observers and not be swayed by praise. The writer is using inductive reasoning, which is the best way they can use to describe or explain a phenomenon by using well-accepted forms of explanation, riding on the freedom of not being restricted by assumptions that are necessary, as cited by Moore and Parker (2020). Inductive reasoning is applied, therefore, as evidence to support the article’s argument.
Vague language in this context would be language that is unclear or ambiguous, making it difficult to understand the writer’s argument. For example, using words like “temptation” without providing a clear definition or context could be considered vague language. This could include terms and phrases that are too general or abstract, such as “self-importance” which could have many different interpretations depending on the context. Additionally, the use of pronouns and adjectives without any specific reference could also be considered vague and potentially lead to confusion. Furthermore, the writer could be making assumptions about the audience’s understanding of a certain topic, which could lead to misunderstanding or incorrect interpretations.
Ambiguous language is language that is unclear and can lead to misunderstandings as the meaning is not precise (Moore & Parker, 2020). The writer in this article uses ambiguous language when they refer to “the media’s desire to star in the story”. This phrase is vague and does not provide the reader with an objective meaning. It is possible that the writer is referring to the media’s desire to be seen as heroes who will take down Donald Trump, or it could be that the writer is referring to the media’s desire to be seen as the moral authority on the situation (Smith, 2020). The writer needs to provide more context and clarity to make it easier for the reader to understand the intended meaning.
References
BROOKE, N. M., & Parker, R. I. C. H. A. R. D. (2020). Critical thinking. MCGRAW-HILL US HIGHER ED.
Liu, Z., Pan, Q., Dezert, J., Han, J.-W., & He, Y. (2018). Classifier fusion with contextual reliability evaluation. IEEE Transactions on Cybernetics, 48(5), 1605–1618. https://doi.org/10.1109/tcyb.2017.2710205
Liu, Z., Pan, Q., Dezert, J., Han, J.-W., & He, Y. (2018). Classifier fusion with contextual reliability evaluation. IEEE Transactions on Cybernetics, 48(5), 1605–1618. https://doi.org/10.1109/tcyb.2017.2710205
Maienborn, C., & Klaus von Heusinger , K. von H. (2019). Semantics – lexical structures and adjectives. https://doi.org/10.1515/9783110626391
Maienborn, C., Heusinger, K. von, & Portner, P. (2019). Semantics – Lexical Structures and Adjectives. https://doi.org/10.1515/9783110626391
Smith, B. (2020, September 7). Journalists aren’t the enemy of the people. But we’re not your friends. The New York Times. Retrieved February 19, 2023, from https://www.nytimes.com/2020/09/06/business/media/trump-election-journalists.html
QUESTION
You will pick one item that addresses a current issue and make connections to class concepts. The item may be print or video and may be the product of any source. For example, an article from the current edition of a newspaper or magazine, a segment from a news or talk show, YouTube post, vlog, or any program that features current affairs would all work for this assignment. Videos or clips should be no more than 2 minutes in length. For this video presentation: Clearly identify the argument, premises, and conclusion presented in the article or video clip and explain its importance. Did the speakers/writers use deductive or inductive reasoning? Identify 3 of the following: vague/ambiguous language, credibility, cognitive bias, rhetoric, logical fallacies, generalizations, arguments from analogy, cause and effect reasoning, and value judgments about morality/law/aesthetics. Explain why you think the argument fits this concept. Also identify if this was purposeful and why, as well as how this impacts the strength of the argument? Provide a conclusion to your video. Was the argument convincing? What is your position? (30 seconds max) Points possible: 100 points; Length: 5–10 minutes You will be graded on: Your ability to identify arguments being made about relevant issues in our world today How well you identify class concepts; accuracy and a clear explanation are required Your use of terminology from the textbook/ class lectures Your ability to showcase your critical thinking skills Your presentation skills and delivery