Introduction to Logic & Critical Thinking

These flashcards cover key concepts from the Introduction to Logic & Critical Thinking lecture, emphasizing critical definitions and distinctions relevant to logic and reasoning.

Formal Language

A system of signs characterized by vocabulary, syntax, and semantics used for logical analysis.

Validity

The quality of an argument whereby its conclusion necessarily follows from its premises.

Deductive Argument

An argument where the conclusion necessarily follows from the premises; if the premises are true, the conclusion must be true.

Inductive Argument

An argument where the conclusion follows with some evidence from the premises; if the premises are true, the conclusion is plausible.

Abductive Reasoning

A form of inference starting with an observation and seeking the simplest and most probable explanation.

Logical Truth

A statement that cannot be false, true solely by virtue of its form.

Logical Consequence

A relationship between statements where one statement logically follows from one or more statements.

Syntax

The set of rules that dictate how symbols in a formal language are combined.

Semantics

The aspect of logic concerned with the meaning and truth of statements.

Argument

A set of premises and a conclusion used to assert a proposition or claim.