Doing Philosophy: Logic, Fallacies, and Biases

This set of flashcards covers the key concepts of logic, the distinction between deductive and inductive arguments, and various types of logical fallacies and cognitive biases as presented in the 'Doing Philosophy' lecture notes.

Logic

The use of arguments and reasoning in accordance with certain principles and methods to arrive at the truth.

Argument

A structure composed of premises and a conclusion, which may be presented deductively or inductively.

Deductive arguments

Arguments that deal with certainties where the premises aim to guarantee the conclusion.

Inductive arguments

Arguments that deal with probability and likelihood.

Valid

A status for a deductive argument where the premises guarantee the certainty of the conclusion.

Invalid

A status for a deductive argument where the premises do not guarantee the certainty of the conclusion.

Strong

A status for an inductive argument where the premises support the likelihood of the conclusion compared to other possible conclusions.

Weak

A status for an inductive argument where the premises do not support the likelihood of the conclusion compared to other possible conclusions.

Fallacy

An error in deductive reasoning; the term also refers to the erroneous argument itself.

Ad hominem

A fallacy involving attacking a person presenting the argument instead of the argument itself.

Appeal to force

A fallacy that uses the threat of force or an undesirable event to advance an argument.

Appeal to emotion

A fallacy that uses emotions such as pity or sympathy to advance an argument.

Appeal to the popular

A fallacy where an idea is presented as acceptable because a lot of people accept it.

Appeal to tradition

A fallacy where an idea is presented as acceptable because it has been true for a long time.

Begging the question

A fallacy, also known as a circular argument, where the thing or idea to be proven is assumed to be true.

Cause-and-effect

A fallacy that assumes a cause-and-effect relationship between unrelated events.

Fallacy of composition

A fallacy that assumes what is true of a part is true for the whole.

Fallacy of division

A fallacy that assumes what is true for the whole is true for its part.

Bias

Personal views of a person that refer to subjective tendencies or influences which affect their views.

Correspondence bias or attribution effect

The tendency to judge a person’s personality by his or her actions, without regard for external factors or influences.

Confirmation Bias

The tendency to look for and readily accept information which fits one’s own beliefs while rejecting views that go against them.

Framing

Focusing on a certain aspect of a problem while ignoring other aspects.

Hindsight

The tendency to see past events as predictable, or to ascribe a pattern to historical events.

Conflict of interest

A situation where a person or group is connected to or has a vested interest in the issue being discussed.

Cultural bias

Analyzing an event or issue based on one’s cultural standards.