Language & Logic

Question 0

Conclusion

Answer 0

The statement that an argument attempts to prove. In the argument all men are mortal, Socrates is a man, therefore Socrates is a man is the conclusion.

Question 1

Argument

Answer 1

A collection of premises offered in support of a conclusion.

Eg. All men are mortal, Socrates is a man, therefore Socrates is mortal.

Question 2

Deduction

Answer 2

An inference from a general claim to particular conclusion. For example, all snails eat lettuce, this thing is a snail, therefore this thing eats lettuce.

Question 3

Definitive description

Answer 3

An expression that picks out a person, place, or thing, for example, “the last man standing.”

Question 4

Induction

Answer 4

An inference from many particular claims to a general claim, or to other particular claims. For example: this snail eats lettuce, this snail eats lettuce, this one too, etc., therefore, all snails eat lettuce.

Question 5

Inference

Answer 5

A mental movement from premises to a conclusion. Sometimes also used as a synonym for “argument.”