Recognising Arguments pt 2

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts from the lecture on logic and critical thinking, particularly focusing on the differences between deductive and inductive arguments and related concepts.

Deductive Argument

An argument where if its premises are true, then its conclusion must also be true.

Inductive Argument

An argument where the premises support the truth of the conclusion but do not guarantee it.

Valid Argument

An argument is valid if it is impossible for the premises to be true and the conclusion to be false.

Sound Argument

An argument that is both deductively valid and has all true premises.

Conclusion

The statement that follows from the premises in an argument.

Premises

The statements that provide support for the conclusion in an argument.

Truth of Premises

Refers to the actual state of the premises in an argument.

Argument Structure

The form or layout of an argument which determines its validity.

Strength of Inductive Argument

Refers to how much the premises support the conclusion.

Weak Inductive Argument

An argument where the premises do not provide strong support for the conclusion.

Good Argument

An argument that successfully meets the criteria for validity and soundness.

Bad Argument

An argument that fails to be valid or sound.

Probabilistic Support

When the premises raise the likelihood of the conclusion being true.

Counterexample

An example used to show that a premise or conclusion is false.

Causal Argument

An inductive argument that draws on cause and effect relationships.

Generalization

An inductive argument that infers conclusions about a population based on a sample.

Argument from Analogy

An argument that draws a comparison between two similar cases.

Logical Form

The abstract structure of an argument that allows determination of its validity.

Hypothetical Proposition

A statement about what would be the case if certain conditions were true.

Nota Bene (N.B.)

Latin for 'note well', indicating an important point.

Fallacy

An error in reasoning that renders an argument invalid.