Chapter 2 - Identifying Arguments Flashcards
What is an illustration?
A statement together with an explanatory or clarifying example
What is an explanatory statement?
A statement that provides reason for the occurrences of some phenomenon
What is a conditional statement?
An if-then statement
What is a well-crafted argument?
An argument that is stated in such a way that it’s important logical features are explicit.
What is standard form?
The usual form of a statement, in which it should be in a well-crafted argument.
Ex: The standard form of a conditional statement is: “If A, then B”
What is excess verbiage?
A word or statement that adds nothing to the argument
What is a discount?
An acknowledgement of a fact or possibility that might be thought to render the argument invalid, weak, unsound, or uncogent.
What is a rhetorical element?
An element in an argument that increases its psychological persuasiveness without affecting it’s strength, validity, soundness, or cogency
What is an enthymeme?
An argument with an implicit premise or conclusion.
Ex: “Obviously not all mammals are land animals. Think of whales, porpoises, Dolphins, and so on.
What is a hedge?
A statement, word, or phrase, that indicates that the author is tentative about a premise or interference.
Ex: “In my opinion, we have lost the war on drugs. Accordingly, drugs should be legalized.”
What is an assurance?
A statement, word, or phrase, that indicates that the author is confident about a premise or interference.
Ex: “Ben will do well in the marathon, for he is obviously in good condition.”
What does a ‘+’ indicate in an argument diagram?
That the two premises are interdependent.
What is a report?
A set of statements intended to provide information about a situation, topic, or event.
