basics of logic Flashcards
modus ponens
if a then b. a so b
modus tollens
if a then b. not b so not a
hypothetical syllogism
if a then b. if b then c. so if a then c
disjunctive syllogism
either a or b (or both). not a so b
constructive dilemma
either a or b. if a then c. if b then d. so either c or d
affirming the consequent (second part)
if the end result (consequent) is true, then the beginning statement (antecedent) must be true as well. if a then c. therefore a
denying the antecedent (first part)
if the beginning statement (antecedent) is not true, then the end result (consequent) is not true
ad hominem
argument to the man
ad populum
appeal to popularity
straw man
taking the opponent’s argument and weakly re-stating it
red herring
avoiding the point of the argument
begging the question
the argument assumes that the conclusion is true instead of supporting it
slippery slope
accepting the position and therefore accepting the extreme of that position
false dilemma
limiting the number of options when given two options to choose between
ad ignorantium
conclusions are drawn from a lack of evidence
post hoc
one thing happened after another, therefore the second event must be a product of the first
cum hoc
if two things happen at the same time then they are related
composition
if parts have the trait then the unit will have the trait
division
if the unit has the trait then individuals will have the trait
equivocation
misleading statement that uses the term in different senses
hasty generalization
getting a conclusion from evidence that is too small
