Reconstructing Arguments

Question 1

Why do we reconstruct arguments?

Answer 1

Converting everyday, informal arguments into standard form makes it easier to detect if they are sound

Question 2

What is a succinct argument?

Answer 2

One that has no superfluous elements, a characteristic of an argument in standard form

Question 3

What is a watertight argument?

Answer 3

One in which the conclusion follows necessarily from the premises, a characteristic of an argument in standard form

Question 4

What are the 6 steps of reconstructing arguments?

Answer 4

1. Separate out different arguments
2. Identify premises and a conclusion
3. Turn all sentences into statements
4. Cut waffle
5. Fill in missing premises or conclusions
6. Disambiguate

Question 5

What is the principle of charity?

Answer 5

When reconstructing an argument, you should make it as plausible as you can, so you can level your criticisms against the strongest form of the argument

Question 6

What is a necessary condition?

Answer 6

One that must be true for another proposition to be true e.g. In ‘If P then Q’, Q is the necessary condition of P

Question 7

What is a sufficient condition?

Answer 7

One that if true is enough to make another proposition true e.g. In ‘If P then Q’, P is the sufficient condition of Q

Question 8

How do necessary and sufficient conditions relate to the bi-conditional

Answer 8

Each proposition is the necessary and sufficient condition of the other, as the bi-conditional takes the form ‘P if and only if Q’