Philosophy Class Notes - January 13, 2026

These flashcards cover key concepts on argumentation, skepticism, and the brain in a vat scenario discussed in the Philosophy class lecture.

Argument

A linguistic or written expression of reasoning where certain statements (premises) support another statement (the conclusion).

Premises

The supporting propositions in an argument that lead to a conclusion.

Conclusion

The main proposition in an argument that is supported by premises.

True Premises

A hallmark of good arguments where the premises should be true.

Non Sequitur

An argument where the premises do not logically support the conclusion.

Bandwagon Fallacy

A type of fallacy that assumes a belief is true simply because a majority of people hold that belief.

Begging the Question

A fallacy where the conclusion is assumed within the premises, making it circular.

Skepticism

The philosophical position that we may know far less about the world than we suppose.

Brain in a Vat (BIV)

A skeptical scenario where a person's brain is removed and placed in a vat, connected to a virtual reality, leading to questions about knowledge of the external world.

Ataraxia

A tranquil, untroubled state of mind sought by ancient Greek skeptics through suspension of commitment to controversial claims.

Exclusion Argument for Skepticism

An argument that states in order to know any claim about the external world (H), one must be able to rule out the possibility of being in a Brain in a Vat (BIV) scenario.