INTRODUCTION TO ETHICAL REASONING

Question 1

Why is ethical reasoning important?

Answer 1

to better understand and evaluate arguments
to know when to challenge to views and arguments of others
to help make better decisions and to be able to justify these decisions to others

Question 2

what makes an argument valid?

Answer 2

if the conclusion follows logically from the premises

Question 3

what makes an argument sound?

Answer 3

if the conclusion follows logically from the premise of the argument and if all premises are true

Question 4

what is Ad hominem?

Answer 4

when instead of addressing someone’s argument you irrelevantly attack the person who is making the argument

Question 5

what is an argument from authority?

Answer 5

when we agree with a particular view because the person suggesting it is coming from a power of authority

Question 6

what does ‘begging the question’ mean?

Answer 6

when an argument’s premises assume the truth of the conclusion, instead of supporting it.

Question 7

what is the straw man fallacy?

Answer 7

when you misrepresented someone’s argument to make it easier to attack

Question 8

what is a fallacy?

Answer 8

a mistake in reasoning