Sacred Page Study Flashcards
Why do we study arguments
- To glorify God
- To become more effective people
What is an argument
A basic unit of reasoning that contains a premise and conclusion in at least 2 separate statements.
How do we identify arguments
DIE
Develop sensitivity
Indicator words and phrases
Expand our knowledge
Argument vs Assertion vs Explanation
Assertion: Single claim or statement
Explanation: Why rather than That
Three Types of Deductive Arguments
Categorical Syllogism
Disjunctive Syllogism
Hypothetical Syllogism
Categorical Syllogism
2 Premises, 1 Conclusion that are categorical propositions
Disjunctive Syllogism
“either / or” statements
Valid Disjunctive Syllogism
Denying a Disjunct
Invalid Disjunctive Syllogism
Affirming a Disjunct
Hypothetical Syllogism Types
Pure
Mixed
Pure Hypothetical Syllogism
If p, then q
p
therefore q
Mixed Valid Hypothetical Syllogism
Affirming the Antecedent
Denying the Consequent
Mixed Invalid Hypothetical Syllogism
DAAC
Denying the Antecedent
Affirming the Consequent
Types of Non-Deductive Arguments
Inductive Generalizations
Argument by Analogy
Abductive Argument
Inductive Generalization
Categorical Generalization
Statistical Generalization
Argument by Analogy
“Country X is like Country Y, therefore, Country X will have the same outcome”
Abductive Argument
“Inference to the best explanation”
How do we evaluate Deductive Arguments
Factual Strength
Logica Strength
Evaluating Deductive Arguments
- Are they valid / invalid
- If the premise is true, the conclusion must be true
Subjectivism Fallacy
I believe it to be true, therefore It must be
Appeal to Majority Fallacy
Everyone’s doing it, so should you
Evaluating Argument by Analogy
ONE COUNTER is a PLAUSIBLE DIFFERENCE
One sample (not large or varied
Look for counter-analogies
Plausibility in the light of background knowledge
Are the differences enough to discount the link
Evaluating Abductive Arguments
KISS, KNOW, DISCOVER, ADAPT
The conclusion is simpler than its rivals / contains less fallacies
Coheres well with relevant knowledge
Leads to new discoveries
Helps predict future events
Evaluating Inductive Generalizations
ABUNDANT INSTANCES are PLAUSIBLE
Sample is sufficiently large and varied
Look for confirming / disconfirming instances
Plausibility in light of additional knowledge
