Week 5

Question 1

Analogical Argument

Answer 1

A non-deductive argument built on an analogy. The Analogical Argument has its own specific standard argument form.
Analogy (A): The analogy between the two classes being compared.
Similarities (S): The properties that the comparison classes share.
Differences (D): The properties that only one of the comparison classes has.
Extra Attribute (X): The extra information about one comparison class.

Question 2

Complex Argument

Answer 2

An argument with multiple sub-conclusions.

Question 3

Defeater

Answer 3

A premise that destroys an argument; it is too devastating to be merely undermining. The presence of a defeater mean that you no longer have a good argument.

Question 4

Independent Arguments

Answer 4

Two or more sub-arguments supporting the same conclusion, where any of them can be pruned without affecting the others’ support.

Question 5

Main Argument

Answer 5

The main conclusion of a complex argument, and the statements that directly support it.

Question 6

Overall Argument

Answer 6

The unsupported premises and main conclusion of a complex argument (i.e. everything except the sub-conclusions).

Question 7

Undermining Premise

Answer 7

A premise that weakens the support for the (sub-)conclusion, but does not defeat it or contradict other premises.