Logic and Reasoning

What is a philosophical argument?

\-An argument is a basic complete unit of reasoning which aims to demonstrate a particular view or opinion on a certain subject.

\-It is an attempt to demonstrate that something is true.

\-It is comprised of a series of propositions, of which one is the conclusion, and the rest are premises which intend to support the conclusion.

What is standard form?

\-It is a way of re-presenting arguments to produce maximum clarity.

\-By taking away everything that is extraneous to a piece of reasoning, standard form provides a clear view of an argument’s premise and conclusion, and the relationship between them.

What is validity?

-Validity refers to the structure rather than the content of an argument.

-A valid argument is one where the conclusion necessarily follows from the premises and there is no contradiction.

-The truth of the premise guarantees and provides a reason for the truth of the conclusion.

What is invalidity?

-An invalid argument is one where the truth of the premises does not guarantee the truth of the conclusion.

(-If the premises of an invalid argument are true, the conclusion may still be false, etc.)

What is a fallacy?

A mistaken belief, especially one based on an unsound argument.

What is a hasty generalization?

Making assumptions about a whole group or range of causes based on a sample that is inadequate.

What is post ad hoc fallacy?

The logical fallacy of believing that temporal succession implies a casual relation; after this, therefore because of this.

What is slippery slope?

Assumes that taking a first step will lead to subsequent steps that cannot be prevented.

What is an appeal to ignorance?

Arguer basically tries to persuade you to believe them because there has been no conclusive evidence for the other side of the argument.

What is false dilemma?

Arguer sets up situation as if only two choices; eliminates one of the choices, so seems left only with one option which is the one the arguer wants you to pick.

What is poisoning the well ad hominem?

Choosing to attack the arguer rather than the argument they make instead.

What is the gambler’s fallacy?

If a particular event occurs more frequently than normal during the past, it is less likely to happen in the future.

What is a premise?

What are the reasons given to support the conclusion?

What is a conclusion?

What point is the statement making?