Arguments Flashcards
Chapter 1 & 2 - Definition & Types of Arguments
What are Arguments?
Set of propositions of which one is said to follow from others. Presents a consideration for accepting a claim.
TRUE OF FALSE: Propositions are also known as claims, statements, and assertion.
True
TRUE OR FALSE: Propositions cannot be tested if it is true or false.
False. Propositions can be tested if it is true or false. Otherwise, it is not a proposition.
Arguments vs Explanations
Explanations shed light on an event/phenomenon.
Parts of an Explanation
Explanans (explanation) & Explanandum (fact to be explained)
Pieces of reasoning
Premise (evidence) & Conclusion (position)
Inferential Relation
Reveal that premise and conclusion are related to each other.
Because-Relation
Proposition B is true BECAUSE proposition A is true.
Since-Relation
Since proposition A is true, it follows that proposition B is true.
Premise-Conclusion Structure
The truth of the premise is a reason for believing the truth of the conclusion.
Kinds of Relations
Deductive and Inductive
Key Words: Deductive
Necessary, Impossible, Demonstrates, Must
Deductive
Impossible for the premise to be true when conclusion is false.
Key Words: Inductive
Probabilistic, Improbable, Supports, Unlikely
Inductive
Improbable for premise to be true while conclusion is false
Deductive Vs. Inductive
How strong the supposed inferential relation is between premise and conclusion
Rule 1 of Evaluating Arguments
Premises of the argument are TRUE.
Rule 2 of Evaluating Arguments
Inferential relation between argument’s premise and conclusion HOLDS.
Evaluating Truth of Premises
Checking whether they are factually (holds actual fact) or reasonably (holds good evidence) true.
Deductive: Evaluating Inferential Relations
Validity (holds) & Soundness (reasonably true)
Inductive: Evaluating Inferential Relations
Strength (Conclusion is probably true) & Cogency (Premises are reasonably true)
