Lesson 4 Flashcards
What is the etymological origin of the word ‘Logic’?
The word ‘Logic’ comes from the Greek word: λόγος (logos), meaning reason, word, speech, or thought.
How is Logic defined as a branch of philosophy?
Logic is defined as a branch of philosophy that studies reasoning, with the purpose of guiding and regulating our thinking within a certain framework.
What are the two main aspects of Logic as an art?
- Aspect of form (formal logic)
- Aspect of matter (material logic)
What does formal logic focus on?
Formal logic focuses on the structure and sequence of claims or judgments.
What does material logic concern itself with?
Material logic concerns itself with the content of reasoning and whether claims align with truth-values.
List some importance of studying Logic.
- Ensures order in thinking
- Helps avoid mistakes in reasoning
- Aids in arriving at justifiable truth
- Facilitates critical examination of issues
- Promotes systematic and objective analysis
True or False: There is no critical thinking without Logic.
True
What are some defects in thinking that may lead to inconsistencies?
- Distractions
- Diversions
- Interruptions
- Engrossments
- Preoccupation
- Disturbance
- Pastime
What is an inconsistency in reasoning?
An inconsistency is an error in reasoning where two or more statements cannot be accurate simultaneously.
What is a logical fallacy?
A logical fallacy is an error in reasoning where the premises do not support the conclusion.
Define formal fallacy.
A formal fallacy is an error in the logical structure of an argument that renders it invalid, regardless of the truth of its premises.
What is an informal fallacy?
An informal fallacy is an error in reasoning that arises from flawed content, ambiguous language, or misleading assumptions.
What are fallacies of language?
Fallacies of language arise due to lack of preciseness in words, phrases, or sentences.
What is the fallacy of equivocation?
The fallacy of equivocation arises from using different meanings of the same term in an argument.
What is the fallacy of amphiboly?
The fallacy of amphiboly occurs when a statement’s grammar allows for multiple interpretations.
What is the fallacy of composition?
The fallacy of composition occurs when one assumes what is true for a member of a group is true for the group as a whole.
What is the fallacy of accident?
The fallacy of accident arises when what is accidental is confused with what is essential.
What does the fallacy of false cause involve?
The fallacy of false cause involves incorrectly assuming a causal relation exists between two events.
What is the fallacy of false analogy?
The fallacy of false analogy occurs when an analogy is made based on irrelevant similarities.
List the steps to analyze the logic of an article.
- Identify the main purpose
- Determine the key question
- Identify important information
- Note main inferences/conclusions
- Understand key concepts
- Recognize main assumptions
- Consider implications of reasoning
- Understand the author’s point of view
Fill in the blank: A fallacy is a logical error in _______.
[reasoning]
Fill in the blank: The argument that university education is essential for success commits the fallacy of _______.
[Begging the question]
True or False: A fallacious argument can still be valid if the premises are true.
False
What is the implication of failing to take reasoning seriously?
Ignoring reasoning can lead to misunderstandings and flawed conclusions.
What is the Fallacy of Hasty Generalization?
It consists of thinking that what is true of some members of a particular class is necessarily true of all members of that class.
Examples include assuming all products from a country are defective based on one experience.
Give an example of the Fallacy of Hasty Generalization.
The fake TV I had was made in China, therefore all things made in China are fake.
This illustrates how a conclusion is drawn from a singular instance.
What is the Fallacy of Irrelevant Premises?
It occurs when a conclusion is drawn from premises that are not relevant to the argument.
Example: I studied in the best university; therefore, I am the best teacher.
What are Fallacies of Presumption?
They arise when the truth of the conclusion is assumed without evidence or argument.
Example: You should become a Christian because the Bible says that if you are not a Christian you will go to Hell.
Define the Fallacy of begging the question.
It occurs when we presume the truth of a proposition before proving it.
Example: Your father is a polygamist, he is African; therefore, all African men are polygamists.
What is the Fallacy of evading/ignoring the question?
It occurs when an answer does not address the original question posed.
Example: When asked why you stole, responding with personal background instead of addressing the theft.
What is Argumentum ad hominem?
It is a fallacy that attacks a person rather than addressing their argument.
Example: Don’t listen to Dave’s argument on pest control; he’s not the brightest guy in class.
What does Argumentum ad populum refer to?
It is an appeal to people’s emotions to accept a conclusion.
Example: Vote for me because many people have suffered during the economic crisis.
What is the Fallacy of appeal to fear?
It is based on using threats to coerce agreement with a conclusion.
Example: If you do not do the assignment, I will punish you.
What does appeal to pity mean?
It occurs when one appeals to pity or sympathy to gain support.
Example: A student appealing for consideration after failing an exam due to illness.
Define Appeal to Ignorance.
It occurs when a lack of evidence is used to argue for a conclusion.
Example: No one has proven that aliens exist, therefore they do not exist.
What is the Fallacy of irrelevant Appeal to Irrelevant extremes?
It attempts to deflect blame by claiming the accuser imposes impossible standards.
Example: Responding to cheating accusations by stating, ‘I am not a saint.’
Give an example of the Fallacy of appeal to the hypothesis of contrary facts.
Our economy could be better if we had voted differently.
This assumes a different outcome without evidence.
What is the purpose of logic in academic contexts?
It provides tools for clear and effective thinking and is foundational to education.
Logic informs various subjects including English, history, and mathematics.
What does it mean to be attentive in logical engagement?
It involves paying attention to real situations and contexts without taking things for granted.
What are the two basic types of facts?
- Things
- Events
Facts are tangible and observable.
What is the relationship between ideas and objective facts?
Clear ideas conform to objective reality while unclear ideas distort it.
What is the significance of matching words to ideas?
It ensures effective communication by aligning ideas with appropriate language.
What is ontological truth?
It refers to the truth of being or existence.
It explores fundamental questions about existence, reality, and being.
What characterizes effective communication?
It requires clarity in matching ideas and words to avoid ambiguity and vagueness.
What should be avoided to maintain clarity in language?
- Vague language
- Ambiguous terms
- Evasive language
These can confuse the audience and obscure meaning.
What does logical truth concern?
It concerns statements and the inferred truth through thinking and language use.
