Reading guide for Mon 1/17: Hamblin, Fallacies, ch 1, pp 9-31
 
 

This begins Hamblin's survey of textbook accounts of fallacies. He will often be critical of them; but his discussion at the same time serves as a collection of highlights from a wide range of textbooks and provides a good introduction to the range of fallacies traditionally studied. So pay attention to Hamblin's criticisms, but try also to learn from the accounts he reports and criticizes.

I'll structure Monday's class around the discussion of individual types of fallacy. You should think through each and pick what seems to you the best example of those Hamblin provides. Also note any confusing points, and we will try to sort them out in class.

We probably won't have enough time to look carefully at each of the types of fallacy Hamblin mentions, so I'll ask you which you think are the ones that it would be most important to discuss.

Here is an example to add to those Hamblin presents; it's the letter from the 16th century play Ralph Roister Doister that Hamblin mentions on p. 18.

Sweet mistress, whereas I love you—nothing at all
Regarding your riches and substance, chief of all
For your personage, beauty, demeanor and wit—
I commend me unto you. Never a whit
Sorry to hear report of your good welfare;
For (as I hear say) such your conditions are
That ye be worthy favour; of no living man
To be abhorred; of every honest man
To be taken for a woman inclined to vice
Nothing at all; to virtue giving her due price.
Wherefore, concerning marriage, ye are thought
Such a fine paragon, as ne'er an honest man bought.
And now by these presents I do you advertise
That I am minded to marry you—in no wise
For your goods and substance: I can be content
To take you as you are. If ye will be my wife,
Ye shall be assured for the time of my life
I will keep you right well. From good raiment and fare,
Ye shall not be kept; but in sorrow and care
Ye shall in no wise live; at your own liberty,
Do and say what ye lust: ye shall never please me
But when ye are merry; I will be all sad
When ye are sorry; I will be very glad
When ye seek your heart's ease; I will be unkind
At no time; in me shall ye much gentleness find.
But all things contrary to your will and mind
Shall be done otherwise; I will not be behind
To speak. And as for all they that would do you wrong
(I will so help and maintain ye), shall not live long.
Nor any foolish dolt shall cumber you; but I—
I, whoe'er say nay—will stick by you till I die.
Thus, good mistress Custance, the Lord you save and keep.—
From me, Roister Doister, whether I wake or sleep,
Who favoureth you no less (ye may be bold)
Than this letter purporteth, which ye have unfold.

Nicholas Udall, Ralph Roister Doister, act 3 scene 5