A critical essay is one in which you analyze and critically evaluate another person’s argument. We started with the last homework assignment to do the analysis part, by putting Bassham’s argument in paraphrased standard form. For this assignment, you will write an 800- to 1,000-word critical essay on Bassham’s essay (pp. 210-211), which will include both that analysis and an evaluation of those arguments. Your essay should include:
Introduction: Identify the title, author, and context of the Bassham essay. Summarize very briefly the writer’s basic position (the issue and his view of the issue), and state in general terms your overall evaluation of the argument.
Argument summary: Taking the analysis from the last assignment as your basis, summarize Bassham’s argument in essay format.
Critical evaluation: Evaluate the argument; that is, say whether you think the argument is a good, convincing argument and give reasons to support your view–in other words, make an argument with an evaluative conclusion about Bassham’s essay. This should be the major portion of the essay. Refer to this week’s video and the section in the textbook on Refuting Arguments. Bassham’s argument is inductive, so we are talking about the strength of his reasoning and the truth of the premises he asserts.
To be clear, this is a typical academic-style essay. Do not include the standard form layout in this assignment.