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Deductive Reasoning

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Deductive Reasoning

Argument 1

Trainer or Cleaner

John is the owner of a gym with approximately five trainers on his payroll. Only a few of those trainers are considered full-time employees. Chris, one of these full-time personal trainers, is well liked by his clients and he consistently has a full schedule. Between clients and even before this gym opens, Chris tries to make sure the gym is clean. He washes down equipment, cleans bathrooms, and ensures the general appearance of magazine baskets looks good. As a full-time trainer; however, Chris has his hands full and after months of pitching in and working to keep the gym clean, he’s frustrated. He discovers his boss, John, no longer cleans because he assumes Chris will. Chris feels taken advantage of and wants John to recognize his role as a trainer first. He also wants John to consider the extra work cleaning involves. He is arguing for a raise or at least, special compensation for the cleaning should he continue it. For now, though, he is “on strike” from cleaning. He presents his findings to John who is not yet ready to compromise.

Argument 2

Buying a Car

Mark and Sally are a young, married couple considering the purchase of a new car. Mark feels his 10-year-old, four-door sedan is still working fine and there is no need to spend more money. Sally, who is 5 months pregnant, believes that the couple should invest in something newer and safer for their future children. Sally argues that the new car will be an investment for the future. Mark agrees to look but wants Sally to agree to lease a car first. Sally wants to invest in the future and argues that the long-term cost of a new vehicle will be less than leasing. She also argues that a lease will keep the couple from selling the vehicle should it not meet the family’s needs. Based on these factors, Sally wants to

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