1. Argument Interpretation Flashcards
difference between thinking and reasoning
reasoning involves inference
relationship between inference and argument
- an inference is each line of reasoning used in a argument
- an argument is when you put a line of reasoning into words so others can follow it
components of an argument
- state every premise and conclusion
- use declarative sentences
- use clear, unambiguous and literal language
features of “standard form”
- premises labeled p1, p2, ….
- conclusions labeled c1, c2, …
deductive vs. inductive argument
deductive: conclusion is true if the premises are true
inductive: adequate support is provided for the conclusion, but it is not guaranteed
premise indicators
because, since, as, given as, seeing as
conclusion indicators
therefore, so, hence, accordingly, as a result
concept of truth
the correspondence of representation of reality with reality itself
how to identify missing premises
search for premises that:
- the author could be taking for granted
- makes the argument as good as possible
empirical vs. non-empirical truths
empirical can be settled by observation with senses or sciences, non-empirical cannot
vagueness
how fuzzy are the boundaries
ambiguity
it is unclear what the term means (i.e. bat vs. bat)c
generality
has to do with the size of the circle with which things are encompased
loaded language
certain terms can have positive or negative connotations, like thrifty vs. cheap
principle of charity
steelmanning: refuting the most pervasive argument the person could be making ( opposite of strawmanning)
