Philosophy argument structures

1. If P, then Q

2. P

3. So, Q

Modens Ponens (MP)

1. If P, then Q

2. Not Q

3. So not P

Modus Tollens (MT)

1. If P, then Q

2. If Q, then R

3. Therefore, if P, then R

Hypothethical syllogism (HS)

1. Either P or Q

2. Not P

3. So not Q

Disjuctive Syllogism (DS)

1. Either P or Q

2. If P then R

3. If Q then R

4. Thus, R

Simple dilemma (SD)

1. Assume not P for the sake of the argument

2. Combine P with some background beliefs granted by your opponent to derive a contradiction

3. Q and not Q

4. Therefore, P

Reductio ad Absurdum (RAA)

1. If P then Q

2. Q

3. So P

Affirming the consequent (AC) INVALID

1. If P then Q

2. Not P

3. So not Q

Denying the antecedent (DA) INVALID

Ad hominem

Attacking the person giving the argument, rather than the argument itself

Straw man

Addressing the weak version of the person’s argument, even if its not their actual views

Equivocation

When it changes the meaning of a crucial term partway through the argument

Begging the question

One of its premises would be rejected by the opponent because the premise assumes the thing the argument is designed to prove (circular reasoning)