Intro To Logic & Argumentation Flashcards
Logic
The study of the methods and principles systematically used to distinguish correct reasoning from incorrect reasoning.
Is logic dependent on subject matter?
No! Logic is not interested in subject matter or topics. Logic is about the form, quality, and structure of arguments.
Propositions
A proposition is the meaning of a declarative sentence. These are the building blocks of arguments.
Inference
This refers to the thought process by which one proposition is arrived at and affirmed on the basis of one or more other propositions accepted at the starting point of the process.
Deductive Arguments
Makes the claim that its conclusion is supported by its premise conclusively.
Truth
A single statement that serves as a premise in an argument. Truth is something that can be said of propositions but not of arguments.
Validity
Refers to the relationship between the premises of an argument and its conclusion.
Soundness
This refers to the truth of propositions and the validity of the argument.
Inductive Argument
An argument whose conclusion is claimed to follow from its premises only probabilistically.
Strong Argument
Simply tells us the logical inference from premises to conclusion is correct. The conclusion is likely true, however it is still possible for the conclusion to be false.
Cogency
Refers to the relationship between the truth of propositions and the strength of an argument.
An argument is cogent when it is strong AND all the premises are true.
Logical Fallacies
These are arguments which are not sound but appear to be.
Fallacies of Ambiguity
These rely on shifts of meaning and/or obscurity of words and phrases from premise to conclusion.
Fallacies of Presumption
These arise from reliance on propositions which are assumed to be true, but are in fact false or dubious.
Fallacies of Relevance
These rely on premises that may seem to be relevant to the conclusion, but are ultimately just distractions.
Accent
This fallacy occurs when a shift of meaning arises within an argument as a consequence of changes in the emphasis and tone given to its words or parts.
Equivocation
A semantic fallacy occurring when the meaning of a word or phrase changes from one meaning in one part of the argument to a different meaning in another part.
Amphiboly
A fallacy of syntax taking place when one of the statements in an argument has more than one plausible meaning.
Composition
A fallacy committed when one reasons mistakenly from the attributes of an individual member of some collection to the attributes of the totality of that collection.
Division
This fallacy is committed when one reasons mistakenly from the attribute of a whole to the attributes of one of its parts.
Sweeping generalization
Assuming what is true under certain circumstances is true always.
Hasty Generalization
Assuming that an individual case or small sample size is a valid basis that warrants a general conclusion.
Bifurcation
This fallacy omits consideration of all reasonable alternatives and creates what superficially looks like a dilemma with mutually exclusive options.
Begging the Question
When one assumes in the premise of an argument the truth of that which one seeks to establish in the conclusion.