Logic and Argumentation: Validity, Soundness, and Types of Arguments

What is the difference between Arguing 1 and Arguing 2?

Arguing 1 involves logical argumentation with reasons and evidence, while Arguing 2 refers to pointless back-and-forth of unsupported assertions.

What is a statement (claim) in the context of arguments?

An assertion that something is or is not the case.

Define premise in an argument.

A statement given in support of another statement.

What is a conclusion in an argument?

A statement that premises are used to support.

What distinguishes arguments from other kinds of discourse?

The logical link between premises and conclusion.

What is inference in the context of arguments?

The process of reasoning from premises to a conclusion based on those premises.

Identify a characteristic of a valid deductive argument.

If the premises are true, the conclusion is necessarily true.

What makes a deductive argument sound?

It is valid and the premises are true.

What is a strong inductive argument?

An inductive argument that provides probable support for its conclusion.

What is a weak inductive argument?

An inductive argument that fails to provide probable support for its conclusion.

What is an example of an unsupported assertion?

Abortion is wrong. I can't believe how many people think it's morally okay.

What is an example of a logical argument?

It's wrong to take the life of an innocent person. Abortion takes the life of an innocent person. Therefore, abortion is wrong.

What are premise indicators?

Words or phrases that signal a premise, such as 'because' or 'given that.'

What are conclusion indicators?

Words or phrases that signal a conclusion, such as 'therefore' or 'thus.'

What is the first step in identifying an argument?

Find the conclusion first.

What is the difference between an argument and an explanation?

An argument provides reasons for believing something is the case, while an explanation tells us why or how something is the case.

What is an implicit premise?

An unstated premise that supports an argument.

What does it mean for an argument to be valid?

It has a logical structure that guarantees the truth of the conclusion if the premises are true.

What does it mean for an argument to be sound?

It is valid and all its premises are true.

Provide an example of a valid argument.

If it is raining, then the streets are wet. It is raining. Therefore, the streets are wet.

Provide an example of an invalid argument.

If it is raining, then the streets are wet. The streets are wet. Therefore, it is raining.

Provide an example of a strong argument.

Every Saturday for the past 10 years Bob's alarm goes off at 5am. Tomorrow is Saturday. Therefore, Bob's alarm will likely go off at 5am.

Provide an example of a weak argument.

Last Saturday Bob's alarm went off at 5am. Tomorrow is Saturday. Therefore, Bob's alarm will likely go off at 5am.