Chapter 4 - Is That True?

Question 1

What three attitudes are there for the truth of a claim?

Answer 1

1. Accept the claim as true
2. Reject the claim as false
3. Suspend judgement

Question 2

Criteria for accepting or rejecting claims

Answer 2

Reject if:

1. The claim contradicts our own personal experience.
2. The claim contradicts other claims we know to be true.
3. Premises contradict each other.

Accept if:

1. Claim confirms our personal experience.
2. The claim is made by someone whom we know and trust, and the person is an authority on this kind of claim.
3. The claim is offered by a reputable authority whom we can trust as an expert about this kind of claim and who has no motive to mislead.
4. The claim is put forward in a reputable journal or reference source.
5. The claim is in a media source that is usually reliable and has no obvious motive to mislead.

Question 3

Arguing backwards

Answer 3

Reasoning that because we have a valid or strong argument with a true conclusion, its premises must be true

Question 4

Bad reasons to accept or reject

Answer 4

1. Mistaking the person for the argument (argument is bad because of who said it)
2. Mistaking the person for the claim (stereotyping)
3. Appeal to common practice
4. Appeal to common belief
5. Phony Refutation (hypocrisy)