Exam 1 Flashcards
Term Intention
The meaning, idea, or concept expressed by a term. The set of attributes or properties that characterize the objects the term is about
Term Extension
The class of objects referred to or denoted by a term. The extension of a term is determined by its intension
Necessary Condition
A necessary condition for B just in case B cannot exist or occur without A. A necessary condition is something that is required for the existence or occurrence of something else, but that may not be enough, all by itself, to guarantee the existence or or occurrence of that thing –> Always rational
Sufficient Condition
A is a sufficient condition for B just in case the existence or occurrence of A guarantees the existence or occurrence of B
A sufficient condition is something that something else, but that may not be enough, all by itself, guarantees the existence or occurrence of something else
Necessary or Sufficient?
Being a tiger is a _____ condition for being an animal
Sufficient
Necessary or Sufficient?
Being an animal is a _____ condition for being a tiger
Necessary
Necessary or Sufficient?
Drinking water is a _____ condition for quenching ones thirst
Sufficient
Necessary or Sufficient?
Having a racket is a _____ condition for playing tennis
Necessary
Necessary or Sufficient?
Pulling the cork is a _____ condition for drinking an expensive bottle of wine
Neither
Necessary or Sufficient?
Stepping on a cats tail is a _____ condition for making a cat yowl
Sufficient
Necessary or Sufficient?
Burning leaves is a _____ condition for producing smoke
Sufficient
Necessary or Sufficient?
Paying attention is a _____ condition for understanding a lecture
Necessary
Necessary or Sufficient?
Taking a swim in the North Sea is a _____ condition for cooling off
Sufficient
Necessary or Sufficient?
Opening a door is a _____ condition for crossing the threshold
Neither
Criteria for Evaluating definitions
Not too broad/too narrow
Not to be circular
Not to be negative
Avoid obscurity, vagueness, and ambiguity
Too Broad
Includes too much
Too Narrow
Leaves something out
Negative definitions
Includes the word in the definition
Valid and Sound Arguments have what
True premises and a true conclusion
Valid but unsound arguments have what
False premises but a true conclusion or false premises and a false conclusion if the premises lead to the conclusion given
An argument is invalid and unsound if…
There are true premises and a false conclusion
Deductive Argument
An argument where the premises necessitate or guarantee the truth of the conclusion
Common Deductive Argument Forms
Math, definitions, categorical syllogism, hypothetical syllogism, and disjunctive syllogism
Deductive math arguments
Because triangle A is congruent with triangle B, and triangle A is isosceles, it follows that triangle B is isosceles
Deductive arguments based on definitions
John is a bachelor, and to be a bachelor just is to be an unmarried male, therefore John is a bachelor
Deductive arguments based on categorical syllogism
All humans are mortal, and Socrates is a human, therefore Socrates is mortal
Deductive arguments based on hypothetical syllogism
If it pours then it rains, and it is pouring, therefore it is raining
Deductive arguments based on disjunctive syllogism
Either taxes increase or the national debt goes up, and it is certainly not the case that taxes will increase, therefore the debt goes up
Common Inductive argument forms
Predictions, analogies, generalizations, arguments from authority, and arguments from signs
Inductive arguments based on predictions
The rainfall in Seattle has been more than 15 in every year for the past 30 years. Therefore, the rainfall in Seattle will probably be more than 15 in this year
Inductive arguments based on analogies
Oranges, are sweet, and apples are like oranges in being fruits, therefore apples are sweet
Inductive arguments based on generalizations
Amoco, Exxon, and Texaco are all listed on the NYSE, therefore all major American oil companies are listed on the NYSE
Inductive arguments based on arguments from authority
Leading cancer researchers almost unanimously maintain that smoking causes cancer, therefore it is likely that smoking does cause cancer
Inductive arguments based on arguments from signs
This highway sign says that the road will be curvy up ahead, therefore it will be
Ambiguity
Word with two or more meanings
Ambiguity examples
Love, headhunter, bank, roll, watch, committed, and row
Vagueness
A word is vague if its extension or denotation admits of borderline cases (grey areas)
Vagueness examples
Baldness, heap of _____, courageous, freedom, smart, love, game, coleslaw, art, etc.
