Understanding Syllogisms and Argument Types

Statement

Claim that is either true or false

Simple Statement

One single claim

Compound Statement

Multiple simple claims joined

Disjunctive Statement

Either A or B

Conditional Statement

If A, then B

Premise

Supports the conclusion

Conclusion

Is supported by premises

Premise Indicator

Words like because, since

Conclusion Indicator

Words like therefore, so

Inductive Argument

Conclusion probably true

Strong Argument

Conclusion likely follows

Weak Argument

Conclusion not likely

Cogent Argument

Strong + all premises true

Uncogent Argument

Weak or has false premises

Prediction

Past/present → claim about future

Generalization

Small sample → big group claim

Argument from Authority

Expert says it → must be true

Argument based on Signs

Sign says it → must be true

Causal Inference

Cause → effect or vice versa

Argument from Analogy

One similarity → another similarity

Deductive Argument

Conclusion guaranteed by premises

Valid Argument

True premises → must be true conclusion

Invalid Argument

True premises → maybe false conclusion

Sound Argument

Valid + all true premises

Unsound Argument

Invalid or has false premises

Implicit Premise

Unstated assumption in argument

Cognitive Meaning

Conveys factual info

Emotive Meaning

Triggers emotions

Vague Expression

Unclear or borderline meaning

Ambiguous Expression

Multiple meanings

Stipulative Definition

New meaning assigned

Lexical Definition

Dictionary meaning

Precising Definition

Clarifies meaning

Theoretical Definition

Based on a theory

Persuasive Definition

Emotion-loaded meaning

Ad Hominem

Attack the person

Bandwagon

Everyone does it → must be right

Straw Man

Twist their words

Red Herring

Change the subject

Hasty Generalization

Small sample → big claim

False Cause

A before B → A caused B

Weak/False Analogy

Bad comparison

Slippery Slope

Small step → huge disaster

Appeal to Authority

Wrong expert → trust anyway

Oversimplified Cause

One cause → ignore others

Cognitive Bias

Mental shortcut → errors

Cognitive Dissonance

Conflicting thoughts → discomfort

Confirmation Bias

Only believe what fits

Self-Serving Bias

Credit self for wins, blame others for fails

Bandwagon Effect

Follow the crowd

Groupthink

Group harmony → bad choices

In-Group Bias

Favor my group

Implicit Bias

Hidden stereotypes affect actions