AP Language Terms for Argument and Logic

Vocabulary flashcards covering core logical terms, argument structures, and fallacies based on the AP Language transcript.

Argument

A piece of reasoning with one or more premises and a conclusion.

Premise

A statement offered as a reason to support a conclusion.

Conclusion

The end result of the argument, which should be supported by reasons or premises.

Aristotle's appeals

The balance of the three types of appeals - ethos, logos, and pathos.

Concession

Accepting at least a part or all of an opposing argument.

Conditional statement

An if-then statement that has two parts - an antecedent and a consequent. Often used as the premise of an argument.

Counterexample

An example that runs counter to, opposite to, a generalization which makes it false.

Deductive argument

An argument where the premises provide a guarantee of the truth of the conclusion, as long as the premises are true.

Fallacy

An attractive but unreliable piece of reasoning that can be used in error or deliberately to distract a listener from a weak argument.

Inductive argument

An argument where the premises provide reasons supporting the probable truth of the conclusion.

Sound argument

A deductive argument that meets two requirements: first, the line of reasoning from the premises to the conclusion is valid; second, the premises are true.

Valid argument

An argument where the conclusion logically follows from the premises.