Chapter 2

Question 1

Reconstructing an argument

Answer 1

Identifying all its different parts, then spelling these out clearly in a standard form that allows us to see exactly how they work

Question 2

Premise

Answer 2

A claim presented by an argument in support of its conclusion

Question 3

Support is equal to…

Answer 3

Premise

Question 4

Conclusion

Answer 4

The final proposition in any argument, supported by its premises

Question 5

Thesis is equal to…

Answer 5

Conclusion

Question 6

Conclusion

Answer 6

The conclusion of one argument can form the premise of another. A conclusion is defined by its place at the end of an argument.

Question 7

Argument

Answer 7

An argument can have only one conclusion, and also have many intermediate conclusions along the way.

Question 8

Extraneous material

Answer 8

Information that is not relevant to the argument and should be left out as we carefully clarify each premise and conclusion by rewriting them.

Question 9

Assumption

Answer 9

Something relevant to an argument that has been taken for granted by the person presenting it, rather than spelled out.

Question 10

The Point of Reconstructing an Argument

Answer 10

Logically restating an argument ensures understanding of it yourself. Excluding extraneous material often reveals flaws or gaps in someone’s reasoning not easily revealed. Forces us to identify the key assumptions that it relies on, but might not have been made explicit, and then we can analyze these.

Question 11

Extended Argument

Answer 11

An argument whose final conclusion is supported by one or more premises that are themselves intermediate conclusions, supported by previous premises.

Question 12

STEP BY STEP GUIDE TO RECONSTRUCTING ARGUMENTS

Answer 12

1. Apply the Principle of Charity. 2. Identify Final Conclusion. 3. Identify the Explicit Premises. 4. Identify Any Implicit Premises. 5. Distinguish Between Linked & Independent Premises

Question 13

Principle of Charity

Answer 13

The assumption that someone else is truthful and reasonable, and that their argument deserves stating in its strongest form.

Question 14

Principle of Charity

Answer 14

Begin by assuming that someone is: 1. Telling the truth rather than aiming to deceive us. 2. Sufficiently well informed to know what they are talking about. 3. Presenting a coherent and reasonable account.

Question 15

Prejudice

Answer 15

Holding a belief without consideration of the evidence for or against it; deciding in advance of hearing an argument what you believe to be the case.

Question 16

Straw Man

Answer 16

An absurd simplification of someone else’s position that is obviously wrong or stupid, and that is only expressed so that it can easily be defeated.

Question 17

Questions to ask to help spot a final conclusion

Answer 17

1. What is the author ultimately trying to prove? 2. What is the message you are expected to take away from reading this? 3. Is a final decision, verdict or recommendation being offered? 4. Is a particular point being repeated or emphasized?

Question 18

Explicit Premises

Answer 18

All the claims that someone has set out in support of their conclusion.

Question 19

Implicit Premises

Answer 19

Are not spelled out by the person stating an argument, but are assumed as part of their reasoning and need to be included in reconstruction.

Question 20

Implicit Conclusions

Answer 20

Are not spelled out but are assumed as a part.

Question 21

Why identify implicit premises?

Answer 21

Done so we can understand as precisely as possible what is being claimed - allowing precise (as much as possible) critical analysis.

Question 22

Linked Premises

Answer 22

Support a conclusion when taken together, but not individually. They rely on one another.

Question 23

Independent Premises

Answer 23

Support a conclusion individually and don’t rely upon each other. They reinforce one another.

Question 24

Practical Guide to Challenging Assumptions

Answer 24

1. Is this argument moving too simplistically from the particular to the general, or assuming that one thing must be like another without a good reason? 2. Is an assumption being made about one thing being the cause of another when, in fact, this is not obviously true? 3. Are any particular beliefs about what is right and wrong, or natural and unnatural, being used to support a conclusion without being made explicit? 4. Does this argument assume that the future must follow the same pattern as the past without providing evidence or considering differences in circumstances? 5. Has what you’re reading begun by assuming the thing it is supposed to be proving?

Question 25

3 Types of Reasoning

Answer 25

Deductive, Inductive, and Abductive.