Argumentation Concepts and Types of Truth

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Questions and Answers

What is a claim in the context of arguments?

A conclusion drawn from a series of observations

A series of statements providing reasons to support an opinion

A firm belief that is universally accepted

A statement that needs to be examined for truthfulness (correct)

Empirical truth is established by reason rather than sense experience.

False

What is the difference between synthetic truth and analytic truth?

Synthetic truth extends our knowledge, while analytic truth is true by virtue of its meaning alone.

An argument based on faulty reasoning is known as a __________.

fallacy Signup and view all the answers

Match the following types of truth with their characteristics:

Contingent Truth = Not true in all possible situations Necessary Truth = Always true regardless of circumstances Empirical Truth = Established by sense experience Rational Truth = Established by reason or deduction Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes necessary truth?

Truth that is true in all possible situations Signup and view all the answers

Opinions are always based on factual information.

False Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of bias in the context of beliefs and arguments?

Bias refers to tendencies or influences that affect people's views. Signup and view all the answers

What is subjective truth characterized by?

Dependence on personal attitudes and preferences Signup and view all the answers

Objective truth is based on individual beliefs and opinions.

False Signup and view all the answers

Define universal truth.

A truth acknowledged by everyone. Signup and view all the answers

An example of an appeal using emotions, such as pity, is called an appeal to ______.

misericordiam Signup and view all the answers

Match the logical fallacies with their descriptions:

Ad hominem = Attacking the person instead of the argument Ad baculum = Using the threat of force to advance an argument Ad populum = Accepting an idea because many people accept it Fallacy of Division = Assuming what is true for the whole is true for its parts Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of relative truth?

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder Signup and view all the answers

The fallacy of composition assumes what is true for a part is also true for the whole.

True Signup and view all the answers

What is the main error in the ad verecundiam fallacy?

Misusing an authority to support an argument. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Argumentation Concepts

Argument: A series of statements aimed at persuading someone that a particular claim is true.
Claims: Statements requiring examination for truthfulness.
Beliefs: Convictions not easily supported by facts.
Opinions: Views expressed on specific matters or issues.
Facts: Statements recognized as real or true.
Conclusion: A judgment derived from specific facts.
Explanation: Statements assuming the truth of a claim and providing supporting reasons.
Bias: Tendencies that influence individual perspectives.
Fallacy: Arguments founded on flawed reasoning.
Knowledge: Defined as “justified true belief,” indicating clear awareness of a subject.

Types of Truth

Empirical Truth (a posteriori): Determined through sensory experience.
- Example: Observing a table inside a classroom.
Rational Truth (a priori): Established through reasoning.
- Example: Generalizing about humans based on known characteristics; Ana is human, hence has mammary glands.
Synthetic Truth: Extends knowledge beyond existing understanding.
- Example: Identifying the color of a brown table adds to prior knowledge.
Analytic Truth: True by virtue of their meaning alone.
- Example: “A triangle has three sides” is inherently true based on the definition of a triangle.
Contingent Truth: True only under certain conditions.
- Example: A statement regarding the color of a table depends on the situation; it may not hold if circumstances change.
Necessary Truth: Always true under any circumstances, factual in nature.
Subjective Truth: Truth that relies on personal or group attitudes and preferences, often associated with value judgments.
Objective Truth: Factual and independent of personal beliefs.
Universal Truth: Accepted by everyone, reflecting objective truths.
Relative Truth: Acknowledged as truth by particular individuals or groups, reflecting subjective perspectives.

Logical Fallacies

Ad Hominem: Attacks the individual rather than their argument.
- Example: Dismissing someone's opinion based on their background.
Ad Baculum (Appeal to Force): Uses threats to persuade.
- Example: Imposing consequences for disagreement.
Ad Misericordiam (Appeal to Pity): Appeals to emotional responses, such as sympathy.
- Example: Highlighting personal hardship to sway opinions.
Ad Populum (Bandwagon): Suggests an idea is valid because many accept it.
- Example: Peer pressure to conform to social norms.
Ad Antiquitatem (Appeal to Tradition): Accepts ideas as valid simply because they've existed for long.
- Example: Arguments against gay marriage founded on traditional views.
Ad Verecundiam (Appeal to Authority): Misuses authority figures to validate claims.
- Example: Citing a well-known figure to validate a poorly supported argument.
Fallacy of Composition: Assumes what’s true for a part is true for the whole.
- Example: Assuming a building's weight based on individual brick weight.
Fallacy of Division: Assumes what’s true for the whole must be true for its parts.
- Example: Generalizing based on the reputation of a family.

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Description

Explore key concepts related to argumentation such as claims, beliefs, and fallacies. This quiz also delves into the different types of truth including empirical and rational truths, providing examples for better understanding. Test your knowledge and comprehension of these fundamental ideas in reasoning and argumentation.