Reading Philosophy:
Analyzing By Asking Questions
Mr. Graves
Tools,
Methods, Techniques
10.
Does the author use or
suggest any analogies, similes, metaphors, allegories, or other means of
comparison? If so, where, and for
what purpose?
11.
Does the author offer any
factual evidence (facts, statistics, etc.) to support her/his claims? If so, what facts? How do these facts support the claims in
question?
12.
Does the author ask questions
for you to consider or respond to?
If so, what questions? What
answers does the author expect you will give? Do they focus or direct the
discussion? If so, how? If not, what is the purpose of the
questions?
13.
Does the author express an
attitude about anything other than her thesis? If so, about what; and what is her
attitude toward it?
14.
Does the author refer to the
work or idea(s) of any other philosopher we have read? If so, what work or idea(s)? What is the author's attitude toward
it?
Your Assessment
16.
What do you find unconvincing
or unpersuasive in the author's presentation? Why?
17.
Overall, how persuaded are
you by the author's presentation?
18.
If you were to argue on this
issue, what stand would you take?
Briefly, how would you argue for your stand? What points would you offer which the
authors we've read have not discussed?