WK 2 Clarity in Language Flashcards
What is an argument?
It is an attempt to support a proporsition (called the conclusion) with other propositions (called premises)
What is vagueness?
A proposition is too vague ( to use in an argument) if, in the context, we are unable to give it a truth value
What is the Academic definition for vagueness?
Whenever, a continuous event or characteristic is converted to a discrete function, the value chosen for the breakpoint is arbitrary
How do you work if a proposition is too vague?
If you have to ask; What do you mean by…? or Exactly how…do you mean? then it is too vague
What is ambiguity?
A small amount of possible meanings as the truth value of the proposition could be completely different thing and it is not okay to use in arguments
Give an example of ambiguity?
The police shot rioters with guns = with their own guns or with the rioters guns
How do we deal with vagueness and ambiguity in our own arguments?
Provide a definition to add a limit and provide a cut off. In ambiguous propositions it will determine which of the meanings for example fred is cold, I mean the temperature one
Why should definitions remain neutral?
They should not be persuasive as people tend to do this to favour their case
What is a principle of charity?
If someone provides an argument to which multiple interpretations are possible, you should assume they intended the strongest and most persuasive of these interpretations
What is a subjectivity fallacy?
No truth is found because no evidence is provided to support that proposition as everything is based on personal opinion and the statement can end in its what I believe
Give an example of subjectivity?
Fred is ugly or spinach taste good
What is an Objective proposition?
The truth value is not dependent on personal opinion and doesn’t mean the proposition is true of false
Is the following statement subjective or objective, that chair is red?
Objective. It is false but whether the chair is red doesn’t depend on personal opinion as the colour of the chair can’t change
Is the following statement subjective or objective, that dude weighs 120kg?
Objective. the opinion towards the man doesn’t change a thing whether he is 120kg is the matter of fact and can be determined
(remember objective means we can measure that)
If you change your opinion does this mean you are being subjective all the time?
No. You can change your mind but this opinion does not change the fact
