1. Rationality and Truth

“Truth” / “true belief”

the belief is accurate to reality (what actually happened)

“Rationality” / “rational belief”

this belief is based upon what we have seen, heard, and what we think makes sense

(our perception not equal reality)

What are “claims”

An Opinion. something we believe to be true or correct

• presented in such a way that it can only be true or false

Argument

convincing someone of your claim.

You try and prove your conclusion with evidence

“Valid argument”

The conclusion seems to be certain following the premises.

however this doesn’t mean that conclusion is certain. If one of your premises is false, the argument is useless.

All humans lay eggs

Justin Trudeau is human

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Justin Trudeau lays eggs

“Soundness of argument”

Based on how true/known the premises are.

It can make sense/conclusion flow logically from premises but if premises are not certain the argument is not sound

Strong Arguments

are valid + sounds

so the argument’s premises are certain from the conclusion

and

The premises are known to be true

Weak arguments

are invalid and or not sound

the conclusion is uncertain following the premises +

the premises are are not known, irrelevant

“Unjustified beliefs” (Realist Viewpoint)

even if someone sincerely believes in something that doesn’t mean that it is correct (insufficent evidence), and they are responsible for the actions they take based on it - Clifford

Anti realist viewpoint

blurs truth with justified. Saying that a belief is justified / is true if it is the common opinon shared by everyone/ culturally

• Richard Rorty

• Michael Foucault

The Argument for Anti realists

What is true is different with different cultures.

Therefore what operates as true depends on the system of truth

Things that claim to be objective such as Science are not exempt from bias, do not always reflect reality

3 Stages of Critical Thinking

1. Naïve Realist

2. Relativist

3. Skeptical Realist

Naive Realist

Someone who thinks the information given by authorities are truth/certain

Relativist

Someone who believes that everybody’s sincere perspectives hold value

and with multi authorities disagreeing, there is not just one in the right

Skeptical Realist

Someone who believes some views hold more value than others based on the evidence they give. Although its never for certain in the end

When is adhominem fair game?

When its used against an authority who is abusing their power

Genetic Fallacy

When someone claims that the other persons argument is faulty as they only think that way because of a characteristic / motivation

condition (medical/mental), political stance ,etc.

Straw person

When someone misrepresents or exaggerates the other persons argument so it becomes easier for them to criticize

Circular Argument (begging the question)

When someone tries to prove their claims with what is basically just the claim. no evidence, reasoning

just sneakily paraphrasing

ex. “Spanking a toddler is immoral, because it’s always wrong to hit children.

Verbal Pressure, Intimidation

When someone uses language that will pressure the audience to agree with their point.

ex. Clearly, obviously

Appeal to Authority

using another person’s authority (knowledge, standing) to persuade someone of a claim

Ad hominem (to the person)

Attacks the person rather than the argument.