3rd Homework Due:  Friday, September 28, 2001

1. Using the numbering indicated, diagram the following argument. (Note that the numbering and structure of the argument depend on the fact that socio-biologists study human nature, not mental illness.

We have observed with apprehension the attempts of some misguided feminists to ban violent pornography. But violence is a healthy expression of the American spirit. Indeed, it has been determined by socio-biologists that the suppression of violence leads to mental illness, since violence is an intrinsic part of human nature. Certainly, the pioneers were a healthy lot; they had to be. We see, then, that the efforts of these feminists should be halted. Doing so would also reaffirm the principles of free speech, which have suffered serious erosions of late. Consider, for example, Mount Holyoke's recent decision to ban campus recruiting by the Islamic Jihad. This is as clear a violation of free speech as we have seen, since the Islamic Jihad is purely a non-profit organization. And our alumnae surely cannot speak freely if they are unemployed.

1. Feminists have attempted to ban violent pornography.

2. Feminists are misguided.

3. Violence is a healthy expression of the American spirit.

4. Socio-biologists have determined that violence is an intrinsic part of human nature.

5. Violence is an intrinsic part of human nature.

6. Suppression of violence leads to mental illness.

7. The pioneers were healthy.

8. The pioneers had to be healthy.

9. The efforts of feminists should be halted.

10. Free speech would be reaffirmed if we halted the feminists.

11. Principles of free speech have suffered serious erosion lately.

12. MHC tried to ban recruiting by the Islamic Jihad.

13. This (banning recruiting) is a violation of free speech.

14. The Islamic Jihad is purely non-profit.

15. Alumnae can’t speak freely if they are unemployed.

2. For each of the following short arguments, supply the most significant missing premise.

a)   Recent research at Harvard shows that dreams are actually the discharge of electrical energy within the brain. We see then that Freud, who claimed that dreams are an expression of deep wishes and fears, was wrong.

b)   An effective leader gets whatever s/he wants. Since Hitler got killed, he wasn't a very effective leader.

c)   The rights of men are not being violated, since no man will be harmed in any way.