Chapter 6a: Discussion Questions & Activities

Objective: Develop skills in identifying counterarguments and constructing refutations; enhance critical thinking by considering multiple viewpoints.

Instructions:

1. Choose an opinion from the provided chart on climate myth fallacices. Consider another point of view and provide a counterargument.
2. Respectfully and logically refute the counterargument.
3. Share your argument, counterargument, and refutation with the class.

Example:

Main Idea: Companies that invest in renewable energy will see significant long-term cost savings.

• Counterargument: Some may argue that the initial investment costs are too high for many companies to afford.
• Refutation: However, the long-term savings from reduced energy costs and government incentives often outweigh the initial expenditure, making it a financially sound decision.

1. Sustainable packaging is crucial for reducing environmental impact.
2. Remote work reduces a company’s carbon footprint significantly.
3. Businesses should prioritize sourcing materials locally to promote sustainability.
4. Removing trash cans from individual workspaces can significantly reduce waste in office buildings.
5. Transparent sustainability reporting enhances a company’s reputation and attracts investors.
6. Businesses should eliminate single-use plastics to improve sustainability.
7. Focusing on sustainability can divert resources from core business operations.
8. Companies should adopt zero-waste policies to drive sustainability.
9. Incorporating sustainability into the corporate strategy attracts top talent.
10. Integrating sustainability into supply chain management reduces overall environmental impact.

Objective: Improve the ability to recognize logical fallacies; practice revising fallacies into more credible arguments.

Instructions:

1. Read the arguments below and identify any logical fallacies.
2. Label the fallacy and revise the argument to remove the fallacy.

Examples:

Original: We propose plant-based food in elementary schools. Meat has more fat than beans. If children eat meat, they will become obese adults.

• Fallacy: Slippery Slope.
• Revised: We propose plant-based food in elementary schools because it is healthier and can help prevent obesity.

Original: If you agree that we can work together to end global warming, donate just $5 to $10 to our cause. People who care about our future generation will make a donation.

• Fallacy: Ad Populum (Bandwagon).
• Revised: To support efforts against global warming, consider donating $5 to $10 to our cause.

1. If we allow businesses to use plastic bags, soon they will ignore all environmental regulations and our planet will be destroyed.
2. I saw a report that one solar panel company went bankrupt. Therefore, investing in solar energy is a bad idea.
3. Either we implement a zero-waste policy immediately, or we don’t care about the environment at all.
4. The temperature increased last summer after the city planted more trees. Therefore, planting trees causes temperature rises.
5. Everyone is switching to electric cars, so it must be the best choice for the environment.
6. You can’t trust what she says about recycling; she drives a gas-guzzling SUV.
7. Why should we worry about deforestation when there are people who don’t even recycle their cans?
8. If you don’t support banning plastic bottles, think about all the baby animals that will suffer and die.
9. This one study found no significant climate change impacts, so global warming is a myth.
10. Renewable energy is the best solution for the environment because it is the most environmentally friendly option.

Objectives: Understand the differences between ethos, pathos, and logos; apply these appeals to create persuasive arguments.

Instructions:

1. Write a persuasive argument for a business sustainability initiative using ethos, pathos, and logos.
2. Present your argument to the class, highlighting the use of each appeal. If your instructor allows, include something visual.

Example:

• Ethos: As a company with a 30-year history of environmental stewardship, we are committed to reducing our carbon footprint in five years.
• Pathos: Imagine a future where our children can enjoy clean air and water because of the actions we take today.
• Logos: Studies show that reducing our carbon emissions by 20% will save us $1 million in energy costs over the next five years.

3. Listen to the rest of the class’s presentations. Can you guess which appeal they are using the most? What other appeals do they seem to use?
4. In writing, reflect on others’ arguments and offer constructive criticism (on information, word choice, visuals, delivery, or other areas).