LOGIC. THE NEED TO EDUCATE, AND MAKE IT THE ENEMY OF IRRATIONAL, SELF-CENTERED, AND PSEUDO-SCIENTIFIC THOUGHT. PT 2.

When we Discuss Educating Young People on the Practical Uses of LOGIC AND CRITICAL THINKING IN EVERYDAY LIFE, THE POLITICAL SYSTEM IS AN AREA OF SPECIAL IMPORTANCE.  

ENCOMPASSING CIVIL AND CRIMINAL LAW, THE ECONOMY, AND OTHER PARTS OF DOMESTIC AND FOREIGN POLICY, ELECTING AND SUPPORTING THE MOST COMPETENT, HONEST, AND CAPABLE INDIVIDUALS IS A GOAL THAT EVERY CITIZEN SHOULD FEEL IS A RESPONSIBILITY, ONE THAT SHOULD NOT BE TAKEN LIGHTLY.

In a free and open open society, POLITICIANS CAN GIVE AN OPINION ON JUST ABOUT ANY SUBJECT, USUALLY WITH LITTLE FEAR OF PUNISHMENT. However, that does not mean they know what they are Talking About, or even care, as long as there are Those who are willing to close Their Minds, and Accept What is being said at Face Value.

THIS IS MANIFESTED BY THE POLITICIAN WHO IS ADEPT AT DELIVERING A SPEECH THAT CAN LAST FOR HOWEVER LONG THEY NEED IT TO, USING WORDS AND PHRASES THAT MAY SOUND INTELLECTUAL AND INSIGHTFUL, BUT LACK ANY REAL SUBSTANCE OR MEANING.  THE BODY OF THE SPEECH IS JUST EMPTY RHETORIC, SPOKEN BY SOMEONE WHO KNOWS OR CARES LITTLE FOR THE FACTS, OR ADDRESSING REAL ISSUES WITH KNOWLEDGE AND COMPETENCE.

SO HOW CAN WE INSTRUCT YOUNG LOGICIANS IN IDENTIFYING THOSE POLITICIANS WHO TALK A LOT, BUT SAY LITTLE THAT SHOULD BE CONSIDERED OF ANY VALUE?

IT IS TO TEACH THEM THAT NOT ALL POLITICAL SPEECH IS OF EQUAL WORTH, AND HOW TO TELL THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN VALUABLE AND VALUELESS.  TO DO THIS, WE SHOULD POINT OUT THERE ARE TWO MAIN FORMS OF POLITICAL SPEECH THAT ARE USED TO SWAY VOTERS, BUT USE DECEPTION, PREJUDICE, AND A SELF-CENTERED MINDSET TO IGNORE AND AVOID PROVIDING REAL ANSWERS THAT MIGHT ACTUALLY WORK TO THE BENEFIT OF ALL AMERICANS.

THEY ARE...

-  ...THE UNSUPPORTED CONCLUSION/BASELESS ASSERTION.

                               AND

-  ...THE VAGUE/UNDEFINED MESSAGE.

LOOK FOR PART 3.

Date- 1/24/2016.