The document discusses different types of ambiguity and precision in language. It covers ambiguity that occurs from grammar or the meaning of a single word, as well as looking for context clues. Vagueness is discussed as applying to expressions that are imprecise due to borderline cases or degrees. The document also addresses being overly general or precise versus focusing on the key details, as well as the risks of pseudoprecision or improper operationalization of terms. Students are tasked with finding ambiguous headlines and discussing meanings and the actual stories, and reviewing exercises at the end of the chapter.

1. WRITING/SPEAKING
WITH APPROPRIATE
PRECISION
Chapter Three – Logical Reasoning

2. Ambiguity
Ambiguity of Syntax
 ambiguity occurs in the grammar and
thus in the meaning of the whole
sentence
“Call me a cab!”
“Ok – you’re a cab!”
Ambiguity of Semantics
 Ambiguity occurs in the meaning of a
single word

3. Entry Ticket #1
Now that you’ve read Chapter Three (you HAVE read Chapter
Three haven’t you?), please perform the following task:
Find three headlines from the last month (please include
source in your document) that are ambiguous. Copy them
into a document and be ready to discuss the possible
meanings of the headlines AND what the real story was (so
you will have to read the story, not just the headline).

4. Making your way through ambiguous territory
 Look for context clues.

5. Semantic vs. Substantial Disagreements
Semantic Substantial

6. Equivocation

7. Vagueness
 An expression x is vague when it is imprecise either because there are borderline
cases of being an x; or because there are degrees of being an x.
Think about this: What does it mean to “be an American”? Consider whether there
are borderline cases of “being an American” or degrees to which one could “be an
American”. No need to write your answer, but be ready to discuss on Wednesday!
 The less specific the conclusion of an argument, the stronger the argument.
Why is this the case?
Why would we ever try to be LESS vague if this is, indeed, the case?

8. Generalizations
 A statement is called a generalization if it uses a general term. A general term
refers to a class of objects.
For example, the term detective is more general than English detective, which in turn
is more general than Sherlock Holmes. The latter term is not general at all; it is
specific.
A person should answer/argue with the appropriate precision for the context, and not
be overly general.

9. Too many details
 Sometimes it is more important to focus
on the BIG picture than the tiny details.
 Precise information is helpful to the
point that it does not become
overwhelming.
 Consider giving instructions how to drive
to a friend’s house – what would be
details that are typically left out of those
instructions?

10. Pseudoprecision
 A claim is pseudoprecise if it assigns a
higher degree of precision than
circumstances warrant.

11. Improper Operationalization
 The operationalization of a term is the operation or method used to tell whether
the term applies.
Consider someone researching intelligence in dogs and operationalizing “intelligence”
as the ability to learn behaviors and perform them on command.
Now, apply that same operationalization of “intelligence” in research on humans.
Fair or improper?

12. Summarize and Review Exercises
Don’t forget to do your summary of Chapter 3 (synthesize, prioritize and utilize in your
notes) and to review the end-of-chapter exercises (there are quite a few again). If you
struggle with any of the Concept Checks or end-of-chapter exercises, come to class
with questions!