Two factors that I considered when evaluating an argument (discussed in Ch. 6 of THiNK: Critical Thinking and Logic Skills for Everyday Life) are soundness and clarity. Soundness is important because an argument should have logic if it is going to be understood by the listener. Clarity is also important because people's attention spans are shorter than they were in past decades. As a paralegal in the military, I had to write up many arguments for and against the defended to help brainstorm ideas for the prosecuting attorney. Also, writing up funding documents for witness travel and court room supplies had to be written with to justify the expenditures.

After reading Ch. 7 and 8 in THiNK: Critical Thinking and Logic Skills for Everyday Life, I learned that inductive and deductive arguments are different in the following ways. Inductive arguments can be weak or strong, while deductive arguments are valid or invalid. "The dog ate my homework" is an example of a weak argument. I had technical issues with the website, as did many students, is a strong argument. I didn't realize that the homework was due today is more of an invalid argument. The syllabus and the due dates on the launch page don't match, which is problematic for many students, including me is a valid argument.

I read the facial recognition articles from the University Library. I thought about the things I considered in reading these articles related to currency of the information, reliability and accuracy, the sources, and the purpose of the articles. I am inclined to agree with the pro-facial recognition people. There are great arguments on the con-side. Especially that it makes for sloppy police work and rushes to arrest. The reason, however, that I am pro-facial recognition is, and here is my deductive argument, we all must be acquainted and embrace new technologies as they come. Beta testing enables for future rollouts and updates of the software to be more and more accurate and less and less manipulatable by lazy or corrupt police officers. The police can always go back and correct it's mistakes, so it is better to make them. Many police officers watch their tones and actions because many people, like me, record every interaction with police, so that the recordings can be analyzed for cop wrongdoing.

As I reflect on the learning activities, concepts, ideas, and topics covered this week, the most interesting activity is the writing part. It is nice to delve into topics that I am familiar with but discussing them as a civilian and not a military paralegal. I have no questions, but I will make this comment. It is good to know how to listen to people argue. It develops character and wisdom. It also helps one, like me, formulate arguments into song lyrics, comedy material and letters to my children.