Why Philosophy, Chapter 1

Basic principles and definitions

What is the philosophical method?

The systematic use of critical reasoning to try to find answers to fundamental questions about reality, morality, and knowledge

What is metaphysics?

The study of reality

What is epistemology?

The philosophical study of knowledge

What is axiology?

The study of value, including both aesthetic value and moral value

What is logic?

The study of correct reasoning

What is an argument?

A group of statements in which one of them (the conclusion) is supported by the others (the premises)

What is a statement?

An assertion that something is or is not the case and is therefore the kind of utterance that is either true or false

What is a conclusion?

In an argument, the statement being supported by the premises

What is a premise?

A statement that supports the conclusion of an argumentq

What is a deductive argument?

An argument intended to give logically conclusive support to its conclusion

What is an inductive argument?

An argument intended to give probable support to its conclusion

What are the valid argument forms?

Affirming the antecedent and denying the consequent

What are the invalid argument forms?

Affirming the consequent and denying the antecedent

What is the form affirming the antecedant?

If p, then q
p

Therefore, q

What is the form denying the consequent?

If p, then q
Not q

Therefore, not p

What is the form affirming the consequent?

If p, then q
q

Therefore, p

What is the form denying the antecedant?

If p, then q
Not p

Therefore, not q

What is a fallacy?

A common but bad argument

What is the straw man fallacy?

Misrepresenting a person’s views so they can be more easily attacked or dismissed

What is the appeal to the person fallacy?

Rejecting a statement on the grounds that it comes from a particular person, not because the statement itself is false or dubious

What is the appeal to popularity fallacy?

Arguing that a claim must be true not because it is backed by good reasons but simply because many people believe it

What is the genetic fallacy?

Arguing that a statement can be judged true or false based on its source

What is the equivocation fallacy?

Assigning two different meanings to the same significant word in an argument

What is the appeal to ignorance fallacy?

Trying to prove something by appealing to what we don’t know, arguing that either a claim is true because it hasn’t been proven false or that a claim is false because it hasn’t been proven true

What is the false dilemma fallacy?

Arguing erroneously that since there are only two alternatives to choose from, and one of them is unacceptable, the other one must be true

What is the begging the question fallacy?

Trying to prove a conclusion by using that very same conclusion as support

What is the slippery slope fallacy?

Arguing erroneously that a particular action should not be taken because it will lead inevitably to other actions resulting in some dire outcome

What is the composition fallacy?

Arguing erroneously that what can be said of the parts can be said of the whole

What is the division fallacy?

Arguing erroneously that what can be said of the whole can be said of the parts

What is confirmation bias?

When we resist conflicting evidence and seek out and use only confirming evidence

What is denying contrary evidence?

Trying to deny or resist evidence that flies in the face of our cherished beliefs, either denying, ignoring, or reinterpreting it so it fits better with our prejudices

What is motivated reasoning?

Reasoning for the purpose of supporting a predetermined conclusion, not to uncover the truth

What is the availability error?

Relying on evidence not because it’s truthworthy but because it’s memorable or striking → psychologically available

What is the Dunning-Kruger effect?

The phenomenon of being ignorant of how ignorant we are

How is the structure of a deductive argument described?

It is called either valid or invalid

How is the support lent by an inductive argument described?

It is called strong or weak

What is it called when a valid argument has true premises?

Sound

What is it called when a strong argument has true premises?

Cogent

What two things do good arguments need?

Solid logic and true premises