On Reasoning Nature of Editorial Essay in Indonesian Newspaper

Abstract

Reasoning ability is fundamental for college students as well as professionals since it reflects their intellectual quality. This paper is aimed at revealing the reasoning nature in the editorial essays in Indonesian prominent newspapers. The study is qualitatively approached, by employing Content Analysis, in which (i) the types of reason and (ii) the soundness of reasons the editorial essays are objectively, systematically, and generally inferred. The data collection was conducted by documentation technique, by which the researchers selected the online editorial essays in Indonesian prominent newspapers. The study revealed that types of reason found in the essay written by IW (Indonesian Writer) are (a) statement of a means to an end, (b) a statement of cause, (c) statement of judgment based upon knowledge, and (d) statement of condition while the most reasonings practiced by IW in their essays are logically sound.