Chapter 48 Rules for Writers

When reading and in your own writing, evaluate arguments for logic and fairness.  Many arguments can stand up to scruitiny so you have to be careful.  A line of argument that at first seems reasonable ends up to be fallacious, unfair or both.
Many hasty generalizations contain words like all, ever, and never when qualifiers such as most, many, usually, and seldom would be more accurate.
It isn't always easy to draw the line between a reasonable and unreasonable analogy.  An analogy can be off base, which is called a false analogy.
Tracing causes and effects:  Demonstrating a connection between causes and effect can be difficult.  You will need to investigate each possible cause.  After investigating the possible causes then you will be able to weigh the impact of each cause and suggest appropriate remedies.
Deducing conclusions also called deductive reasoning can often be structured in a three step argument called a syllogism.  The three steps are the major premise, minor premise and the conclusion.  The major premise is the generalization.  The minor premise is a specific case.  The conclusion follows from applying the generalization to the specific case.
Distinguishing between legitimate and unfair emotional appeals have words with strong positive or negative connotations.  Attacking the persons who hold a belief rather than refuting their argument is called ad hominem, a latin term meaning "to the man".
Judge how fairly a writer handles opposing views.  In your own writing, you build credibility by addressing opposing arguments fairly.  You can access the credibility of your sources by looking at how they deal with views not in agreement with your own.
Quoting opposing views is a good idea because it assures some level of fairness and accuracy.  Sometimes, unfortunately, both the fairness and accuracy are an illusion.
I will use this information in my writings from her on by first making sure that I don't use the words all, never or ever.  I am a pretty intense person and let all know of my feelings, especially in my writings, so this will be hard to do.  Although, I am aware of it, so now I will make sure I do not use those words.  Also, I will make sure that I quote opposing views because that will assure some level of fairness and accuracy.  I want to make sure my writings are of honesty.