Ch2 Quiz Flashcards

1
Q

deductive

A

For Deductive Arguments:
True premises + valid = sound argument
Sound arguments guarantee their conclusions

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2
Q

Inductive

A

For Inductive Arguments:

True/acceptable + relevant + sufficient premises = strong argument

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3
Q

Subjectivism

A

The speaker believes X

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4
Q

Coherence Theory

A

X fits with other things we hold to be true

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5
Q

Correspondence Theory

A

X corresponds with (matches) the facts (reality)

Example: “Grass is green” is true iff grass is actually green

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6
Q

Pragmatism

A

It is useful for us to believe that X

Example: if it is in our best interest to believe that God exists, then it is true

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7
Q

Subjectivism objections

A
Theory says we can never have mistaken beliefs
--Generates contradictions
Both here and not here
Self-undermining?
--Theory is correct iff you believe it…
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8
Q

Coherence Theory goals and objections

A

Goal – coherent system with no internal contradictions
–Examples: math, scientific theories
Objection:
–What if our internally coherent system fails to match external reality?
—-Delusion

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9
Q

Correspondence Theory objections

A

Standard “commonsense” view
Assumed in this text
Objection:
–This is empty/unhelpful unless we have some way of determining what reality is.

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10
Q

Pragmatism explaination and objections

A

What does “works” mean?
–William James: “True ideas are those that we can assimilate, validate, corroborate, and verify.”
Objection:
–Useful beliefs that appear false
—-Example: What if it’s really useful for us to believe that animals don’t feel pain?

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11
Q

Truth

A

only for empirical claims, can be verified/falsified

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12
Q

Acceptability

A

impossible (in practice or principle) to verify, non-empirical claims

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13
Q

Random Personal Experience

A
One possible source of empirical evidence
BUT, it:
Is random
Is only 1 person’s experience
Issues with verification
Reliability of testimony
Cannot generalize from it
Can be colored by viewer’s:
Interpretation
Sensory perception deficits
Senses are sometimes unreliable, mistaken
Environmental conditions
Lack of light, background noise, etc.
Observational Skill
Emotional State
Cognitive state
Memory
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14
Q

Evaluating Personal Testimony

A

Is the claim based on sensory experience or intuition/faith?
How much interpretation is involved?
–Pure description of sensory experience vs. analysis
—-“high-pitched scream” vs. “woman screaming in pain”
How reliable are the person’s sight, hearing, smell, etc.?
What were the environmental conditions?
–Visibility, noise level, etc.
Is the person particularly observant?
–Any training, tools, or knowledge
What was his/her emotional state?
–Stressed, drugged, hurried, afraid
His/her cognitive state?
–Wants, needs, expectations
How long ago did this happen?
–Memory degrades rapidly
How credible is the person?
–reputation
Is there any corroborating or contradicting evidence?
–example: other witnesses

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15
Q

Methodological Investigation: The Scientific Process

A

Overcomes many weaknesses of personal experience
I. Methodological (not random)
1. Isolate the Phenomenon
2. Control other variables
–Control group and experimental group
II. Experiences of More than 1 person
–Multiple scientists, experiments designed to be repeated
III. Separate Observation from Interpretation
–Separate results and discussion sections
IV. Influence of sensory deficits, emotional states, and cognitive states minimized by:
1. Use of instruments
2. Trained observers
3. Optimized environment
4. Replication
5. Public Scrutiny

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16
Q

Steps of Scientific Investigation

A
  1. Identify the Issue
  2. Gain background knowledge
    - -Research!
  3. Form a Hypothesis
    - -Identify what would verify/falsify it (prediction)
  4. Feedback loop of 2 and 3
    - -Refining the hypothesis
  5. Test the Hypothesis
    - -Designing and conducting an experiment
  6. Formulate Conclusions
    - -Also consider alternative explanations
    - -Compatibility with well-established hypotheses
17
Q

Evaluating Findings from Studies

9 Questions to ask:

A
  1. How old is the study?
  2. Who conducted it?
  3. Who funded it?
  4. Were the instruments appropriate and reliable?
    - -Measure what they are supposed to, and give consistent results
  5. Is the evidence consistent with established knowledge?
  6. What would contradict the evidence?
  7. Was the study replicated?
  8. Does the nature of the study support its conclusions?
  9. Are you reading it first-hand or second-hand