Class Discussion

** Does not have to be 275 words..this is discussion post** Analyze the ways people often “debate” them in problematic ways. There are, to be certain, good debates around these issues, but, for various reasons, these topics tend to bring out less rational arguments. Those are the ones we are focusing on. This week your contribution to the class discussion consists of: 1) 3 fallacies that people commonly use when discussing these topics (e.g., a common fallacy used related to gay rights is the Slippery Slope fallacy). Explain  a) the way the fallacy you identified is used in relation to that specific topic b) why it often works to convince people c) why it’s not rational.   2) 2 emotive words that people frequently use when discussing these topics (e.g., people often derisively use the term “slacker” when referring to someone who smokes marijuana as a way to minimize any arguments in favor of legalizing marijuana). Explain  a) why emotive words like the one you identified are effective in this case b) why it’s a distraction from the harder work of thinking about the complexities of that issue c) what word would be more cognitive and should be used in a serious debate instead.   As always, the explanations and analyses must by entirely your own, in your own words.