Argument Flashcards
What is a counter-assertion?
A statement which opposes the previous argument, with no reasons given.
What must an argument contain?
A conclusion and at least one premise
What is a counter-argument?
A whole argument, with reasons and a conclusion, which opposes another argument.
What is hypothetical reasoning?
Reasoning about what could happen if something else happens. Generally has the form ‘if x then y.
What is hypothetical reasoning used for?
Can be used as either a conclusion or reason.
How would you explain hypothetical reasoning in an exam question?
‘X is an example of hypothetical reasoning because the conclusion refers to a consequence which depends on the occurrence of another event’
What is an assumption?
An unstated reason which is necessary for the conclusion to work.
When will an assumption weaken an argument?
When it is questionable
What is necessary for reasons to support a conclusion?
The reasons must be relevant, all parts of the conclusion must be supported, reasoning must be consistent, language must be cm sis tent (avoidance of conflation). Finally, weak reasoning often rests on questionable assumptions.
