I am doing my final on catholic church response to child sexual abuse is inadequate. my question is I am having trouble finding out what is bias, identify any rhetorical devices, moral reasoning, identify the premises and the argument made my the author.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bias
Also from wikipedia-
In rhetoric, a rhetorical device or resource of language is a technique that an author or speaker uses to convey to the listener or reader a meaning with the goal of persuading him or her towards considering a topic from a different perspective. While rhetorical devices may be used to evoke an emotional response in the audience, there are other reasons to use them. The goal of rhetoric is to persuade towards a particular frame of view or a particular course of action, so appropriate rhetorical devices are used to construct sentences designed both to make the audience receptive through emotional changes and to provide a rational argument for the frame of view or course of action.
Two rhetorical devices are irony and metaphor.
To analyze the bias, rhetorical devices, moral reasoning, premises, and argument made by an author on the topic of the Catholic Church's response to child sexual abuse, follow these steps:
1. Identify the source: Start by identifying the author and the specific article, report, or publication you are analyzing. This will help you understand any potential bias associated with the author or the source.
2. Understand the author's perspective: Research the background and beliefs of the author to determine if they have any predisposition or particular viewpoint on the Catholic Church or child sexual abuse. This will help you identify any potential bias that might influence the author's argument.
3. Recognize rhetorical devices: While reading the article, pay attention to any persuasive techniques or rhetorical devices used by the author. Examples of common rhetorical devices include:
a. Emotional language: Look for emotionally charged terms or language designed to evoke specific feelings or reactions.
b. Anecdotes or personal stories: The author may use individual stories to illustrate their point or to invoke empathy from the reader.
c. Hyperbole or exaggeration: Watch for dramatic statements or exaggerated claims used to strengthen the argument.
d. Appeals to authority: Check for references to experts, organizations, or prominent figures that the author relies upon as a credible source.
4. Analyze moral reasoning: Moral reasoning involves the ethical and moral principles the author uses to support their argument. Identify any moral positions, values, or ethical considerations the author presents. Look for any use of moral absolutes or appeals to justice, fairness, or compassion.
5. Identify the premises and argument: To identify the premises and argument made by the author, break down the article into key components:
a. Premises: These are the claims, statements, or evidence presented by the author to support their argument. Identify the main premises that underpin the author's viewpoint.
b. Argument: Identify the overall argument the author is making and how they support it. Look for any logical reasoning, evidence, or examples used to convince the reader of the author's position.
Remember to approach your analysis with objectivity and critical thinking. Acknowledge any potential biases from both the author and yourself. Finding multiple perspectives and sources can provide a more comprehensive understanding of the topic.