fandomhigh | Logical Fallacies, Thursday, Period 3

"Welcome to Logical Fallacies," Cindy said as the bell rang for class. "My name is Cindy Perrault, but it's summer and we're a small enough class, so let's dispense with the formality. Feel free to call me Cindy if you like. Also, since we are a tiny class, I brought some muffins along. Part of a balanced breakfast and all of that."

Cindy: model for proper nutrition. Really.

"Anyway, I want to make this clear--this isn't a rhetoric class. This is more of a 'how to point out your opponents' logical flaws while arguing class.' If there's one thing I've noticed, from years of watching people argue and debate, is that it's very easy to get led astray or have your argument torn to shreds by someone who isn't actually arguing your point at all. This class will teach you to identify the most common logical fallacies used in such a manner and come up with ways to counter them. In most cases, simply pointing out the tactic your opponent is using will be enough. For others, you can often turn their own words against them. Furthermore, you can learn a lot about a person from how they choose to present their case; are they using these fallacies out of simple ignorance, or are they deliberately trying to discredit you? A smart person knows that words are easily turned to weapons. A wise person knows how to use them to his or her own advantage."

Which probably said more about Cindy than anything else, but oh well. She was feeling relaxed today.

"But we'll get to all that starting next week. This week is dedicated to introductions or the school may implode. At least, that's the impression I get from the radio. So, today, please respond with name, class, why you signed up for this class, and your favorite topic for debate. Also Hinata? You're my TA. Congratulations. There's an extra muffin in it for you."

[OCD up]

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Name, class, why you signed up for this class, and your favorite topic for debate.

That was... well, at least she was used to introductions by now?

"I am Hinata Hyuuga," she said, taking the words slowly and precisely to avoid stuttering--hardly the best impression to give off, correct? "I am a rising senior, I think that is how you would say it? I will be a senior in the fall." Hinata, you're rambling.

"The premise of this course sounded interesting and I enjoy classes where I am forced to think," Hinata continued. "I... I do not particularly enjoy any form of arguing," and a debate could very easily turn into an argument, "but I find law p-particularly compelling to discuss."

Cindy smiled at the girl. "What aspects of law in particular?" she asked.

"Criminal law," she confessed. "And how the crime and the punishment are meant to intersect."

"Always an interesting subject, Hinata," Cindy said, giving her an approving nod. "Do you intend to go into law some day? A rhetoric class will help an aspiring lawyer."

"I..." Oh, how to explain it... "I am considering going into law to help r-reform it."

Pink pink pink. She had no idea if it was even possible but the more she learnt about law the more it appealed to her nature.

"That's a very good and noble goal," Cindy replied earnestly. "Anyone who thinks the law is ever perfect as is, is misguided and wrong."

She could only bob her head in agreement to that.

"A-And a law that is not as useful as it might be can remain in place b-because it always has been. Change brings protests."

"Which means anyone willing to stand up and change those laws needs both strength of character and strength of purpose. Both traits I value in a TA." Cindy winked at Hinata. "Glad to see I picked the right girl."

"Peter Bishop, I'm a senior, and I signed up for this class because the more you know about holes in arguments, the more you can make sure you don't make them and also how to attack the weak points in other people's statements," he said, nonchalantly. "Oh, and my favorite subject of debate is whatever I'm debating at the time."

Cindy laughed outright at that. "Not very picky then?" she asked. "Well, as a word to the wise, Peter, don't go looking for arguments on the internet. They're more hole than not, and what little content is there is so dreadfully misspelled, it's not worth the effort to find it."

Passing along knowledge like the good teacher she was.

"Good to see some things haven't changed in the last fifteen years," Peter joked, smiling.

"Must be to make sure you felt right at home. Is that when you're from then?" Cindy asked. "I'm from '04, myself. Adjusting well?"

"Ninety-five, yes," Peter said. "And I'm not sure if 'adjusting' is the right word. It sounds a little casual for the amount of adaptation going on."

"Lie, Peter," Cindy advised, with a low chuckle. "In a situation like high school, you always make it seem like less effort than it really is. It's more impressive that way."

Best. Teacher. Ever.

Peter thought about that one for a moment, and then nodded. "Good point," he acquiesced. "Nobody wants to hear how hard things are for someone."

"I wouldn't go that far," Cindy said. "But at Fandom, anyway, I've noticed the more experienced kids here are always amused watching the newbies settle in. The more consternation you show, the greater their amusement."

She shrugged and gave him a little smile. Human nature and all that. "But if you are having trouble adjusting, don't hesitate to talk to someone about it. That includes me."

"Jaime Reyes," Jaime answered, trying not to stare too much at the hot teacher.

"I'm here because I'm trying to take as many serious academic classes as I can. I need to score some scholarships to get into college, so..."

Cindy gave Jaime a smile. "I write impeccable references," she said. "At least, I do if you continue to do the same caliber of work that you did in Monomyths. I was very pleased with your final, Jaime."

Jaime blushed just a bit. "Thanks. I really enjoyed that class." He'd gotten to unleash his inner geek, and dork out a bit arguing things.

"Here's to hoping you'll enjoy this class, too, Jaime," Cindy said, trying not to smirk at the blush. "Don't hold back in it, all right?"

His grin widened. "Yes, ma'am."

Logical Fallacies, Thursday, Period 3

Introduce Yourselves

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