Lecture 04 The Language of Argument

Question 0

What are reason (premise) markers

Answer 0

Reason Markers are

since

because

for

on the grounds that

by virtue of

on the assumption that :

Question 1

What is the basic structure of arguments? (Not the basic form)

Answer 1

Arguments are structured sets of statements, some of which are cited as reasons or the warrant in support of some other. The statement being supported is the conclusion. The statements offered in support are the premises or reasons.

Question 2

What are conclusion markers

Answer 2

Therefore

then

thus

so

hence

accordingly :

Question 3

What is the standard form of an argument?

Answer 3

Premise 1

Premise 2

. . . . .

Premise n

Conclusion

Question 4

What is an example of a conditional statement?

Answer 4

If P then Q.

If G then F.

Not P then Q.

etc.

Question 5

What is a deductively good argument.

Answer 5

One were

i) the premises are true
ii) the conclusion logically follows from the premises.

Question 6

What is validity

Answer 6

An argument is valid if and only if the conclusion logically follows from the premises

i. e. if and only if the premises logically guarantee the conclusion
i. e. if and only if whenever the premises are true, the conclusion is true
i. e. if and only if it is impossible for the premises to be true and the conclusion false

Question 7

What is meant by truth in arguments

Answer 7

That the premises are true.

^{_{(Note: a valid argument can have false premises.)}}

Question 8

What is a sound argument

Answer 8

i) all the premises of the argument are true, and
ii) the argument is valid.

An argument is sound IFF it is valid and has true premises.

Question 9

What are 3 strategies that can be used to assist in securing the acceptance that the premises are true.

Answer 9

Assuring,

Guarding,

Discounting.

Question 10

Describe the term Assuring

Answer 10

Presenting reasons that are “assuredly true”

… to convince a disbelieving by citing authority as an assurance

E.g. “Economists agree that …”

Question 11

Describe the term Guarding

Answer 11

Presenting reasons that are suitably weakened, by

Ie retreating from certain claims to merely probable claims

less certain . . . “Evidence suggests that”

instead of . . .

“It is plainly the case that” .

Question 12

Describe the term Discounting

Answer 12

Dispelling doubts surrounding reasons by citing possible criticism only to discount

E.g. The ring is beautiful but expensive [… so let’s not buy it.] (Discounting its beauty)

Question 13

Describe the use of Evaluative language

Answer 13

The use of evaluative language is often important in pushing an argument through and for that reason we must be aware of its use.

Evaluative terms like ‘good’, ‘proper’, ‘efficient’ or ‘beautiful’ are typically said to invoke (positive, virtuous) standards against which “things” (e.g. objects, events, etc.) can be evaluated.

Question 14

What are some terms used in assuring

Answer 14

I’m certain that

. . . I’m sure that

. . . I can assure you that

. . . I’m not kidding

. . . Everyone with any sense agrees that

. . . It’s no longer held that . . .

Question 15

What are some terms used in Discounting

Answer 15

Although,

even if,

but,

nevertheless,

though,

While,

however,

nonetheless,

even though,

Whereas,

yet,

still.

Question 16

The terms Assuring, Guarding and Discounting are applied to the Premise or the Conclusion?

Answer 16

Premises.

Used to secure acceptance of the premise.