PHIL 101 Exam 1 pt. 3

What is philosophy largely about?

Evaluating and constructing arguments

What are premises in an argument?

Reasons or evidence for the conclusion; assumptions of the argument

What is the conclusion in an argument?

What is supposed to follow from the premises

What makes a good argument?

It is rationally persuasive — gives substantial reason to think the conclusion is true

What is a declarative sentence?

A sentence that asserts something true or false. Examples: “1+1=2,” “Shakespeare wrote The Tempest,” “George Washington was the fourth president”

What are common premise indicators?

Because, since, for, given that, due to the fact that

What are common conclusion indicators?

Therefore, so, implies that, thus, it must be the case that

What is the classic syllogism used in philosophy?

All humans are mortal. Socrates is a human. Therefore, Socrates is mortal

What do good arguments aim for?

To get to the truth, avoid false beliefs, and back up views with flawless reasoning

Why isn’t truth alone enough for a good argument?

Because the truth of the premises must give us good reason to accept the conclusion

What is validity in logic?

An argument is valid if, assuming the premises are true, the conclusion must also be true

What does logical form concern?

The structure of the argument, not whether the premises or conclusion are actually true

What is missing from a valid but bad argument?

True premises

What makes an argument sound?

1. It is valid

2. All premises are true

What is the best evaluation an argument can have?

Soundness

How can you show an argument is unsound?

Show that it is invalid OR that at least one premise is false