Argumentative Strategies and Fallacies Flashcards
1
Q
Modus Pones
A
- mode of affirming
- P -> Q
P
Q
2
Q
Modus Tollens
A
- mode of denying
- P -> Q
- Q
- P
3
Q
Affirming the consequent
A
P -> Q
Q
P
4
Q
Denying the antecedent
A
P -> Q
- P
- Q
5
Q
The Chain Argument
A
If A then B, if B then C, if C then D etc
6
Q
The Either-Or Argument
A
- mutally exclusive possibilites
- one obtains and the other does not (or vice versa)
- -P Q
-P
Q
7
Q
Reductio ad Absurdam
A
- Proving the falsity of the premise by showing the falsity of the conclusion
- method of arguing backwards when conclusion is obviously false/contradictory
8
Q
What are non-normal fallacies
A
Where the argument is valid but has false premises
9
Q
The Undistributed Middle
A
- a term found in both of the 2 premises cannot be in the predicate position twice
- Every A is B
Every C is B
Every A is C
10
Q
Affirmative conclusion from a negative premise
A
- cannot have this (at least one of the premises has to be affirmative as well
- No A is B
w is -A
w is B
11
Q
Affirming a disjunct
A
- can’t infer the fact that if one disjunct is true then the other is false
- P v Q
P
-Q
12
Q
Equivocal Argument
A
- same word used in two different senses
- some parts of the world, men have a legal right to beat their wives
In England, me do not have such a legal right
Not all human beings have the same moral rights
13
Q
False Dilemma/Dichotomy
A
- two alternatives are presented as exhausative when there are other possibilities
- ‘Either you support the resistance or you are a collaborator’
14
Q
Slippery Slope
A
- a small change leads to a large change in the future
- can be sound or unsound
15
Q
Question begging/petitio principii
A
The conclusion repeats the premises in different words
