Critical Reasoning Flashcards
What are the components of an argument?
premise, assumption and conclusion
what is a premise?
a proposition, statement or fact from which a conclusion is made
what is an assumption?
the implicit statement, which must be true so that the conclusion can be true
necessary assumption
unstated facts or opinions that MUST be assumed if the reasoning is to succeed logically.
what phrases ‘necessary assumption’ contain?
an assumption that the argument (reasoning) requires
an assumption on which the argument depends (relies)
sufficient assumption
unstated facts or opinions that, if assumed, allow reasoning to succeed logically
T or F. If A occurs, B occurs. A does occur. B occurs
T
T or F. If A occurs, B occurs. B doesn’t occur. A doesn’t occur
T
T or F. If A occurs, B occurs. B does occur. A occurs.
F
T or F. If A occurs, B occurs. A doesn’t occur. B doesn’t occur
F
Unless you sleep well tonight, you will not compete well in tomorrow’s track events. Does this indicate a necessary or sufficient condition?
necessary condition (will)
how does ‘inference’ differ from ‘assumption’ ?
An inference is made “after” the argument is complete, and follows from the argument.
An assumption occurs “before” the argument, that is, while the argument is being made.
What are some “Cause and Effect” signal words?
Therefore, Thus, So, Consequently, Hence, For this reason, As a result, It follows that
What are some “Concession” signal words?
Even though, Although, Though, Whereas, While, Despite, While it is true that
2) Two (or more) events occur at the same time
What is the function of “Concession” signal words?
to concede/acknowledge an opposing point but the author doesn’t necessarily change his mind
