R&A Part 1

Question 1

What is an argument?

Answer 1

A set of statements, one of which is the conclusion which is affirmed by premises.

Question 2

What is a statement?

Answer 2

A sentence that is either true or false.

Question 3

What does validity concern?

Answer 3

The form of an argument rather than it’s content.

Question 4

What is logic?

Answer 4

The study of methods evaluating whether premises of an argument support the conclusion.

Question 5

What makes an argument strong?

Answer 5

An argument is strong if it’s probable that if the premises are true, the conclusion will also be true.

Question 6

What makes an argument cogent?

Answer 6

A cogent argument is an argument that is strong and has true premises.

Question 7

Modus Ponens

Answer 7

If A then B
A
So, B

Question 8

Modus Tollens

Answer 8

If A then B
Not B
So, not A

Question 9

Hypothetical Syllogism

Answer 9

If A then B
If B then C.
A
So, C

Question 10

Disjunctive Syllogism

Answer 10

Either A or B
Not A
So, B

OR
Not B
So, A

Question 11

Constructive Dilemma

Answer 11

Either A or B
If A then C
If B then D
So, Either C or D

Question 12

Fallacy of Denying the Antecedent

Answer 12

If A then B
Not A
So, B

Question 13

Fallacy of Affirming the Consequent

Answer 13

If A then B
B
So, A

Question 14

Non Argument - Report

Answer 14

An informative text, a series of assertions.

Question 15

Non Argument - Illustration

Answer 15

Doesn’t give reasoning to believe a statement but rather offers an example

Question 16

Non Argument - Explanatory Statement

Answer 16

Uses the word ‘because’ to explain a statement. ‘Because’ will be followed by an explanation of the fact preceding it.

Question 17

Non Argument - Conditional Statement

Answer 17

If A then B. A statement with no conclusion.

Question 18

Excessive Verbiage - Discount

Answer 18

Acknowledgement of a fact/possibility that renders the argument weak.

Question 19

Excessive Verbiage - Repetition

Answer 19

The repetition of a statement doesn’t make it any more true. Not logically necessary.

Question 20

Excessive Verbiage - Assurance

Answer 20

Word/phrase indicating authors confidence.

Question 21

Excessive Verbiage - Hedge

Answer 21

Indicates the author is tentative (e.g. in my opinion)