Amelia and Harold are arguing about the death penalty. "Look, I just feel strongly that it's barbaric, ineffective, and wrong," says Harold. "You're nuts," says Amelia. "I believe in an eye for an eye, and besides, I'm absolutely sure it's a deterrent to

Which lapses of critical thinking might Amelia and Harold be committing?

What will be an ideal response?

Here are some problems in their style of argument; feel free to think of others.

1. They are reasoning emotionally ("I feel strongly about this, so I'm right and you're wrong").

2. They do not cite evidence that supports or contradicts their arguments. What do studies show about the link between the death penalty and crime? How often are innocent people executed?

3. They have not examined the assumptions and biases they bring to the discussion.

4. They may not be clearly defining the problem they are arguing about. What is the purpose of the death penalty? Is it to deter criminals, to satisfy the public desire for revenge, or to keep criminals from being paroled and returned to the streets?