W2 LA-IC
Purpose
Distinguish between valid and invalid arguments and obstacles to critical thinking.
How to Prepare
Learning Activity – Deconstructing an Argument
- Find statements that, if true, would constitute good reasons for accepting his claim.
- Indicate whether the speech contains examples of self-interested thinking, face-saving, or group pressure.
- Given the context of the time, what may have been some obstacles to critical thinking?
Look at Lincoln’s reasoning for why he thinks the country cannot remain divided on the issue of slavery. As soon as Lincoln was elected, South Carolina seceded from the Union.
- What did Abraham Lincoln mean by A house divided against itself cannot stand”?” – https://www.cliffsnotes.com/cliffsnotes/subjects/history/what-did-abraham-lincoln-mean-by-a-house-divided-against-itself-cannot-stand
- Roger Taney’s opinion in the 1857 Dred Scott Case – https://www.law.cornell.edu/supremecourt/text/60/393#writing-USSC_CR_0060_0393_ZO
- Missouri Compromise
http://www.loc.gov/item/2012586609/
- Forcing Slavery Down the Throat of a Freesoiler
http://www.loc.gov/resource/lprbscsm.scsm0326/
What’s Next?
- Now that we have examined a historic primary source argument, we will move online to examine a current-day argument. Next Module >