Arguments in Action Flashcards
What is an argument?
A collection of statements which are intended as a conclusions and other premises.
What is a statement?
A sentence with a truth value.
What is a valid argument?
A valid argument is one that is well structured and guarantees a true conclusion, provided the premises are true.
What is an invalid argument?
A invalid argument is one that is badly structured and does not guarantee a true conclusion, even if the premises are true.
What is a deductive argument?
A deductive argument can always be certain. It uses universal premises to lock you into a specific conclusion.
What is an inductive argument?
An inductive argument can never be certain, only probable. It uses specific premises to support a universal conclusion.
What is a hidden premise?
An unstated premise that the argument relies on for validity.
What is a sound argument?
An argument that has a valid structure and true premises.
What is an unsound argument?
An argument that has either invalid structure, false premises, or both.
What is an analogical argument?
An analogical argument is used in cases in which one thing (X) is accepted/seen as plausible, and another (Y) is not, to get the audience to accept Y as plausible.
What is a formal fallacy?
A fallacy which has an invalid structure.
What is an informal fallacy?
A fallacy that is structurally valid, but contains false premises.
What is an illegitimate appeal to authority?
The argument cites an eminent source, in order to support the conclusion.
What is post hoc ergo propter hoc?
‘After this, therefore because of this’. If P happens, then Q does, it is assumed that P caused Q.
What is a slippery slope?
If we allow A to happen, Z will happen, so A shouldn’t happen.
What is coincidental correlation?
It is assumed that a perceived relationship between 2 things means that one caused the other.
What is ad hominem?
Attacking your opponent’s character or personal traits, rather than engaging with their argument.
What is appeal to emotion?
Attempting to manipulate an emotional response in place of a valid/compelling argument.
What is confirmation bias?
The tendency for individuals to favour information that supports their argument.
What is denying the antecedent?
The argument takes the form:
If P then Q,
Not P,
Not Q.
What is affirming the consequent?
The argument takes the form:
If P then Q,
Q,
P.
What is circular reasoning?
An argument in which the premises assume the truth of the conclusion.
