Review of Argumentation and Bias Concepts

Flashcards for key concepts related to argumentation and biases, covering definitions and examples.

Proposition

A statement that can be true or false.

Non-proposition

Something that isn't a statement.

Argument

A group of statements aiming to support a conclusion.

Non-argument

A group of statements not aiming to support a conclusion.

Premise

A statement providing support in an argument.

Conclusion

The main point an argument aims to establish.

Deductive Argument

An argument where the conclusion must follow from the premises.

Inductive Argument

An argument where the conclusion is likely based on the premises.

Valid/Invalid

Whether an argument's structure guarantees the truth of the conclusion.

Sound/Unsound

When an argument is both valid and has true premises.

Strong/Weak

The strength of an inductive argument in providing support for its conclusion.

Cogent/Uncogent

When an inductive argument is strong and has true premises.

Informal Fallacy

Errors in reasoning that don't follow strict logical rules.

Formal Fallacy

Errors in reasoning due to the structure of an argument.

Ad Hominem

Attacking the character or personality of the person making the argument instead of addressing the argument's substance.

genetic fallacy

Rejecting an argument based on its origin or the source it comes from.

Straw Figure

Misrepresenting or oversimplifying someone's argument to make it easier to attack.

Red Herring

Introducing an irrelevant topic to divert attention from the main argument.

Cognitive Bias

The systematic pattern of deviation from rationality in judgment and decision-making.

Confirmation Bias

The tendency to seek, interpret, and remember information that confirms existing beliefs.

Representativeness Bias

The tendency to judge the likelihood of an event based on how similar it is to a prototype.

Anchoring and Adjustment Bias

The tendency to rely heavily on the first piece of information encountered when making decisions.

Availability Bias

The tendency to overestimate the importance of events based on their ease of recall.

Selection Bias

The bias that arises when the sample used for analysis is not representative of the population being studied.

Heuristic

Mental shortcuts or rules of thumb used to make decisions quickly.

Principle of Charity

The practice of interpreting an argument in the most favorable way possible.

Direct Support

The relationship where a premise explicitly provides direct evidence for the conclusion.

Indirect Support

The relationship where a premise indirectly supports the conclusion through other premises.

Independent Support

The relationship where multiple premises each provide separate support for the conclusion.

Conjoint Support

The relationship where multiple premises work together to jointly support the conclusion.

Hidden Assumptions

Unstated premises necessary for an argument to be valid or sound.