Phil. 103: Introduction to Logic
Class Exercise: Diagramming Arguments
Directions: For each of the following paired statements, (1) state the fact at issue
as a question phrased in neutral language, (2) state whether or not there is a
disagreement in belief or attitude or both, and (3) tell in general the preferred
method for resolving the dispute.
1. a. Richard Murphy, CEO of the Tri-Magma Corporation, animatedly
discussed the future of the company with an alacrity seldom seen in today’s
economic climate.
b. CEO Murphy chattered on and on with grossly unrealistic expectations
about Tri-Magma’s prospects in these difficult times.
2. a. Susan Donnelly. the film critic, can be relied upon as an independent
reviewer who ceaselessly offers her opinions with reservation.
b. I don’t know why Susan Donnelly, the movie commentator, is so
disagreeable—she always contradicts the media’s other film critics.
3. a. John Webster claimed he would ace the GRE; in fact, the score he
achieved was amazingly only five points below what he predicted.
b. Yeah, well, Webster failed to meet his expectation. His prediction was
too high; he should have studied more.
4. a. The Woodsglen neighborhood generously raised over a hundred dollars
for the Lymphoma Society’s Annual Drive
b.The Woodsglen subdivision struggled to get a paltry hundred dollars for
the Society’s annual fund drive.
5. a. Little Eddie is so cute when he creatively invents new rules while
playing games with his playmates.
b. Little Eddie is a brat. His little friends are quite annoyed at his repeated
cheating while he plays with them.
6. a. Senator Jenkins maintained a sullen countenance and refused to com-
ment on the dubious goals of the proposed measure.
b. Senator Jenkins exhibited an abiding interest in the proposed measure
before the committee while extolling the best case scenarios projected for
the program.
