Logic and Argumentation Practice Flashcards

A collection of vocabulary flashcards covering basic logic terms, valid argument forms, formal fallacies, and learning tools based on the lecture transcript.

Premise

A statement assumed to be true that supports a conclusion.

Conclusion

The statement an argument is trying to prove.

Valid argument

An argument whose conclusion must follow if the premises are true.

Sound argument

A valid argument with true premises.

Necessary condition

Something that must be true for something else to occur.

Sufficient condition

Something that guarantees another thing is true.

Modus Ponens

A valid argument form: If $P \rightarrow Q$, $P$, therefore $Q$.

Modus Tollens

A valid argument form: If $P \rightarrow Q$, Not $Q$, therefore Not $P$.

Affirming the Consequent

An invalid fallacy: If $P \rightarrow Q$, therefore $P$ (or $Q$, therefore $P$).

Denying the Antecedent

An invalid fallacy: If $P \rightarrow Q$, Not $P$, therefore Not $Q$.

Disjunctive Syllogism

P or Q. not P therefore Q

Hypothetical Syllogism

One of the four main argument forms used in logic and formal debate.

Deductive

A type of reasoning that aims for certainty.

Inductive

A type of reasoning that aims for probability.

Spaced repetition

An efficient learning method that automatically shows you cards right before you're about to forget them.