Ch4 Logic, Ethics and Decision-Making Flashcards
Ability to reason and present a strong argument in favor of or against a position
Logic
Analysis of the principles of human conduct in order to be able to determine between right and wrong
Ethics
The process that arrives at a general conclusion based on a foundation of specific examples or data
Inductive Reasoning
The process of reaching a specific conclusion based on a general statement or principle
Deductive Reasoning
A process that is based on the relationship between two or more events in such a way that it is obvious that one caused the other to occur
Causal Reasoning (Cause and Effect)
A three part statement that consists of a major premise, minor premise and conclusion
Syllogism
Reasoning that is based on a comparison between two similar cases
Analogical Reasoning
False or fallacious reasoning that occurs when someone attempts to persuade others without sufficient supporting evidence or by using irrelevant or inappropriate arguments
Fallacy
Makes a faulty connection between the cause and effect
Causal Fallacy
- The Soviet Union collapsed after instituting state atheism. Therefore, we must avoid atheism for the same reasons.
Tries to make the statement that EVERYONE is doing something or believes something so that makes it the correct point of view or activity
Bandwagon Fallacy
- Everyone is going to the party, so you should let me go too.
Makes a weak, easily refuted statement to take attention away from the main point, thus creating a distraction from the main point
Straw Man Fallacy
- A proponent of a new library uses the statement: There are those who don’t care if children can read.
Makes an argument or conclusion that is based on insufficient evidence; can also result in stereotyping
Hasty Generalization Fallacy
- My uncle Fred is lazy; therefore, all men named Fred are lazy.
Occurs when someone uses irrelevant facts to distract the listener from the main issue
Red Herring Fallacy
- You may claim that the death penalty is an ineffective deterrent against crime - but what about the victims of crime?
- How do you think surviving family members feel when they see the man who murdered their son kept in prison at their expense?
Concludes something that simply does not follow the main premise of the argument
Non Sequitur Fallacy
- The city council should not build a new fire station because the city cannot afford to keep the swimming pools open during the summer.
Consists of a series of worsening consequences that are assumed will result from the initial decision or action
Slippery Slope Fallacy
- You can never give anyone a break. If you do, they will continuously take advantage of you and finally they will walk all over you.