Non Empirical Methods

Question 1

Authority

Answer 1

Knowledge based on appealing to the opinions of experts

Question 2

Authority limitations

Answer 2

1. Authorities may disagree
2. Authorities may be wrong
3. Authority may be abused
4. Authority is limited to existing knowledge

Question 3

Formal logic

Answer 3

Knowledge based on rational argument, using formal rules of deduction.

Question 4

Categorical logic

Answer 4

All/some As are B

Question 5

Conditional logic

Answer 5

If a then b

Question 6

Sufficient condition

Answer 6

A is sufficient for b

If a then b

Question 7

Necessary condition

Answer 7

A is necessary for b

B only if a

Question 8

Necessary & sufficient condition

Answer 8

A is necessary & sufficient for b

B if and only if a

Question 9

Modus ponens: affirming the antecedent

Answer 9

Major premise: if a then b
Minor premise: a
Conclusion: b

Question 10

Modus tollens: denying the consequent

Answer 10

Major premise: if a then b
Minor premise: not b
Conclusion: not a

Question 11

Denying the antecedent

Answer 11

Major premise if a then b
Minor premise: not a
Conclusion: indeterminate

Question 12

Limitations of logic and interference

Answer 12

Conclusions are limited by premises
Idealized and abstract
Indifferent to matters of fact