The argumentative essay incorporates the skills of premise and conclusion, learned in Week 1, and builds upon them. The new critical thinking skills introduced in the essay are inductive and deductive reasoning. For the chosen position on government health care, the student will demonstrate understanding of inductive and deductive reasoning by providing an explanation of how each reasoning type was used in the writing process. Critical Thinking, Ch. 3
In the process of writing an argumentative essay on the topic of government health care, the use of critical thinking skills is crucial. Two important types of reasoning that are often employed in constructing arguments are inductive and deductive reasoning. In this essay, we will explore how each of these reasoning types was utilized in the writing process.
Inductive reasoning is a form of reasoning that draws conclusions based on specific instances or examples. It involves moving from particular observations to general conclusions. When employing inductive reasoning in the context of government health care, the writer would gather evidence from various sources, such as healthcare statistics, research studies, and expert opinions. By examining these specific instances, the writer can then make generalizations or draw conclusions about the overall effectiveness or feasibility of government-funded health care systems.
For example, the writer might present data showing that countries with universal healthcare have lower mortality rates and higher life expectancy compared to countries without such systems. By analyzing these specific instances, the writer can draw an inductive conclusion that government-funded health care leads to better health outcomes for the population as a whole.
Deductive reasoning, on the other hand, involves moving from general principles or premises to specific conclusions. It is a top-down approach, where the writer starts with general principles or accepted truths and applies them to specific situations. In the context of government health care, the writer might begin by establishing a general principle, such as the belief that access to healthcare is a fundamental right. They would then use deductive reasoning to argue that government-funded health care is the most effective means of ensuring this right for all citizens.
For instance, the writer might use deductive reasoning to argue that if healthcare is a fundamental right, then it is the responsibility of the government to ensure that all citizens have access to it. They might further reason that government-funded health care is the most efficient and equitable way to achieve this goal, as it can provide coverage for everyone, regardless of their income or employment status.
In addition to employing inductive and deductive reasoning, critical thinking in the context of an argumentative essay on government health care also involves evaluating the strength of the evidence presented and considering counterarguments. Inductive reasoning relies on the quality and relevance of the specific instances or examples used. The writer must carefully select and analyze evidence to ensure that it supports their overall conclusion. They also need to anticipate and address potential counterarguments to strengthen their own argument.
For example, the writer might acknowledge the potential criticism that government-funded health care could lead to increased taxes or reduced choice for individuals. They would then use critical thinking to evaluate these counterarguments and provide evidence or reasoning to refute or mitigate them. This demonstrates not only the ability to employ inductive and deductive reasoning but also the capacity to engage in critical analysis and evaluation.
In conclusion, writing an argumentative essay on government health care requires the use of critical thinking skills, particularly inductive and deductive reasoning. Inductive reasoning involves drawing general conclusions based on specific instances or examples, while deductive reasoning involves deriving specific conclusions from general principles or premises. Additionally, critical thinking involves evaluating evidence, considering counterarguments, and engaging in critical analysis. By employing these skills, the writer can construct a persuasive argument that supports their chosen position on government health care.
