The Pragma-Dialectical Approach to Fallacies

Flashcards covering key terms and definitions related to the pragma-dialectical approach to fallacies.

Pragma-dialectical approach

A framework for understanding fallacies as violations of the standards for critical discussion in argumentative discourse.

Fallacy

A misstep in reasoning that violates the rules of a critical discussion, hindering resolution of differences in opinion.

Code of conduct

A set of standards that governs reasonable argumentative discourse, outlining the rules for critical discussion.

Freedom Rule

The rule that states discussants may not prevent each other from putting forward or questioning standpoints.

Obligation to Defend Rule

Discussants who propose a standpoint must defend it when requested.

Standpoint Rule

Attacks must be directed at a standpoint that has been actually put forward by another participant.

Relevance Rule

Arguments must relate directly to the standpoint they defend and cannot rely on irrelevant or extraneous points.

Validity Rule

Implicit reasoning in an argument must be logically sound and fully articulated.

Argument Scheme Rule

Defenses of standpoints must use appropriate argument schemes correctly.

Concluding Rule

Inconclusive defenses must not result in maintaining doubts, while conclusive defenses should confirm the standpoint.

Language Use Rule

Participants must avoid unclear or ambiguous formulations and not misinterpret each other's statements.

Strategic maneuvering

A tactic in argumentative discourse that balances rhetorical effectiveness with maintaining reasonableness.

Problem-solving validity

The ability of argumentative rules to effectively resolve differences of opinion on their merits.

Conventional validity

The acceptance of the argumentative standards by those engaged in the discourse as appropriate.

Argumentum ad verecundiam

An argument that improperly appeals to authority to support a standpoint.

Argumentum ad populum

An appeal to the emotions of the masses rather than reason or evidence.

Argumentum ad hominem

A fallacy that involves attacking the person rather than the argument.

Argumentum ad baculum

A fallacy that relies on threats or intimidation to gain compliance.

Argumentum ad consequentiam

An argument that concludes a descriptive proposition based on its predicted consequences.

Exploiting hidden fallaciousness

A tactic where fallacies are disguised to appear reasonable to avoid detection.