Chapter 3 Flashcards
Inductive Arguments
Try to show that their conclusions are plausible given the premises
Deductive Arguments
Try to prove their conclusions with logic
The Indicator Word Test
Look for deductive and inductive indicator words
The Strict Necessity Test
An argument’s conclusion either follows with strict logical necessity from its premises or does not
The Common Pattern Test
Look for common deductive and inductive reasoning patterns
Hypothetical Syllogism
One conclusion, two premises (deductive pattern)
Modus Ponens
Affirming the antecedent; if a, then b. A. Therefore b. (deductive pattern)
Modus Tollens
Denying the consequent; if a, then b. Not b. Therefore not A. (deductive pattern)
Denying the Antecedent
Invalid deductive pattern
Affirming the Consequent
Invalid deductive pattern
Chain Argument
If a, then b. If b, then c. Therefore, if a then c.
Categorical Syllogism
A 3-line argument in which each statement begins with all, some, or not (deductive pattern)
Argument by Elimination
Logically rules out various possibilities until only one remains (deductive pattern)
Argument Based on Mathematics
The conclusion is dependent on some mathematical calculation (deductive pattern)
Argument from Definition
The conclusion is presented as following by definition of some key word or phrase (deductive pattern)
Inductive Generalization
An argument in which a generalization is claimed to be probably true (inductive pattern)
Predictive Argument
Prediction defended with reasons (inductive pattern)
Argument from Authority
Asserts a claim and supports it by citing an authority who has said it is true (inductive pattern)
Casual Argument
Asserts or denies something is the cause of something else (inductive pattern)
Statistical Argument
Rests on statistical evidence (inductive pattern)
Argument from Analogy
Conclusion is claimed to depend on an analogy between two or more things (inductive pattern)
The Principle of Charity Test
Never attribute to an arguer a weaker argument when the evidence reasonably permits us to attribute to him or her a stronger one
Unsound/Uncogent
Either invalid/weak or has at least one false premise
