Evaluating Evidence & Arguments Flashcards
Distinguish propositions from non-propositions
Why is it important to think critically?
Since reasoning can be done well or poorly, it is important to break down and evaluate our reasoning with an open mind.
What new understanding do you have around propositions?
Since reasoning involves thinking that one thing is true based on something else being true, we need to be able to focus on the part of language that can be true or false: propositions. An example of a proposition is “Summer is hot,” and an example of a non-proposition is “Let’s go swimming!”
Why do you think it is fundamental to understand the definition for propositions?
Understanding propositions is fundamental because they are the building blocks of logical arguments.
What is a proposition?
Propositions are statements that can be true or false.
What is a non-proposition?
Non-propositions are not statements about matters of fact. They do not make a claim that can be true or false.
What is a simple proposition?
Simple propositions have no internal logical structure, meaning whether they are true or false does not depend on whether a part of them is true or false. They are simply true or false on their own.
What is a complex proposition?
Complex propositions have internal logical structure, meaning they are composed of simple propositions. Whether complex propositions are true or false depends on whether their parts are true or false and how those parts are connected.
True or False: Simple propositions need to have a specific subject. (i.e, “they”)
True
What is a premise?
The premises are the claims, evidence, ideas, and so forth intended to support the conclusion.
What is a conclusion?
The conclusion is the claim that the whole argument is intended to support or demonstrate or prove.
What are some premise indicators?
Because, for, since, as indicated by
What are some conclusion indicators?
Therefore, so, hence, thus
Which is true of a conclusion?
It is supported by premises and It is a proposition.
What is an argument or inference?
A set of propositions including premises and a conclusion
When does a set of propositions not form an argument?
When it does not include premises and conclusion
What is a deduction?
arguments where the premises guarantee or necessitate the conclusion (i.e mathematical arguments)
What is an induction?
arguments where the premises make the conclusion probable
What are the different types of inferences?
The different types of inferences are deductive, inductive, and abductive.
What is an abduction
arguments where the best available explanation is chosen as the correct explanation
What is a sound argument?
a valid argument that has true premises
What is an unsound argument?
an argument that either is invalid or has at least one false premise.
What is a valid argument?
In a valid argument, if the premises were true, the conclusion would necessarily have to be true also. Validity doesn’t require that the same premises have to be true. Rather, it just means that if they were true, the conclusion would have to be true too.
What does cogent mean?
all true premises, and the premises give strong inductive support (probable cause) for the conclusion.
What does uncogent mean?
Has weak probable cause and false premises
Formal Fallacy
Formal fallacies have a problem with their structure. Any argument that has the form of a formal fallacy is invalid.
Informal Fallacy
informal fallacies have a problem with their content.
Fallacy fallacy
A fallacy fallacy occurs when someone dismisses an argument’s conclusion solely because the argument contains a logical fallacy. The fallacy fallacy mistakenly assumes that if an argument is flawed in some way, its conclusion must also be false, without examining the truth or validity of the conclusion itself.
Begging the question
a logical fallacy where the argument’s conclusion is assumed in the premise.
