Philo Terminology

Question 1

What is a premise?

Answer 1

A statement (evidence) that supports a claim (conclusion).

Question 2

What is an assumption/hidden premise?

Answer 2

An unstated premise in an argument. This happens when the person making the argument assumes that it is obvious enough not to be clearly stated (can be inferred).

Question 3

What is a deductive argument?

Answer 3

An argument when the premises, if true, should guarantee the conclusion. The premises are usually observations and the the conclusion is the theory.

Question 4

What is an inductive argument?

Answer 4

An argument when the premises, if true, should make the conclusion probable. The premises are usually theories and the conclusion is an observation.

Question 5

When is an argument valid?

Answer 5

A deductive argument is valid if the premises are true and guarantees the conclusion.

Question 6

When is an argument sound?

Answer 6

A deductive argument is sound when all the premises are true (based on evidence the arguer has provided or the in the real world) and the argument flows.

Question 7

What determines the strength of an inductive argument?

Answer 7

An inductive argument is strong if the premises, if true, make the conclusion highly probable.

Question 8

When is an argument cogent or uncogent?

Answer 8

An inductive argument is cogent when the premises are proven to be true.