Question

Which idea of Calhoun's in this excerpt relies on fallacious reasoning?

A) Impoverished people in nineteenth-century Europe often live in "forlorn and wretched" conditions.

B) Slaves and slave owners both benefit from their relationship because they have intellectual differences.

C) It is desirable for the nation to possess "free and stable political institutions."

D) The Southern states need "zeal and energy" if they want to preserve slavery.

Answer 1

excerpt from "Slavery a Positive Good" by Senator John C. Calhoun, February 6, 1837

In the decades preceding the United States Civil War, the practice of slavery was a widely debated topic. While many opposed this unjust practice, others, especially in regions that were economically dependent on forced labor, advocated in support of slavery. This speech by Senator John C. Calhoun represents pro-slavery viewpoints from this time period leading up to a war to make slavery illegal in the United States.

I hold that in the present state of civilization, where two races of different origin, and distinguished by color, and other physical differences, as well as intellectual, are brought together, the relation now existing in the slaveholding States between the two, is, instead of an evil, a good—a positive good. . . . I hold then, that there never has yet existed a wealthy and civilized society in which one portion of the community did not, in point of fact, live on the labor of the other. . . . I may say with truth, that in few countries so much is left to the share of the laborer, and so little exacted from him, or where there is more kind attention paid to him in sickness or infirmities of age. Compare his condition with the tenants of the poor houses in the more civilized portions of Europe—look at the sick, and the old and infirm slave, on one hand, in the midst of his family and friends, under the kind superintending care of his master and mistress, and compare it with the forlorn and wretched condition of the pauper in the poorhouse. . . . I fearlessly assert that the existing relation between the two races in the South, against which these blind fanatics are waging war, forms the most solid and durable foundation on which to rear free and stable political institutions. It is useless to disguise the fact. There is and always has been in an advanced stage of wealth and civilization, a conflict between labor and capital. The condition of society in the South exempts us from the disorders and dangers resulting from this conflict; and which explains why it is that the political condition of the slaveholding States has been so much more stable and quiet than that of the North. . . . Surrounded as the slaveholding States are with such imminent perils, I rejoice to think that our means of defense are ample, if we shall prove to have the intelligence and spirit to see and apply them before it is too late. All we want is concert, to lay aside all party differences and unite with zeal and energy in repelling approaching dangers. Let there be concert of action, and we shall find ample means of security without resorting to secession or disunion.

Answer 2

Maybe @Shadow

Answer 3

@Bob

Answer 4

Did you read it

Answer 5

yes

Answer 6

Do you have any ideas as to what the answer might be, or can you cross out any choices ?

Answer 7

B?

Answer 8

The passage isn't telling us that slaves and slave owners benefitted from their relationships. The passage's main point is actually quite contrary to what choice B is saying.

Answer 9

C?

Answer 10

"Free and stable political institutions" do not rely on fallacious reasoning.

Answer 11

so it is C?

Answer 12

Look at what the question is asking, then look at my previous statement again.

Answer 13

oh, D?

Answer 14

sorry, i really dont understand this question

Answer 15

Again, try to figure out what the question is asking. The definition of fallacous is described as being "based on a mistaken belief." Which of the choices looks like it's hasty generalization or jumping to a conclusion because of a mistaken belief ?

Answer 16

OH. A

Answer 17

Yeah, that's the one.

Answer 18

thanks so much!

Answer 19

Any time.

Answer 20

LOL . it was B, the first answer I chose @Bob
which is weird though, because, A seems like such a better answer

Answer 21

lol

how about the other one ?

Answer 22

got it right