Begging the Question in Arguments

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Questions and Answers

What does it mean to beg the question in an argument?

Introducing an unrelated topic to distract from the argument

Using evidence that clearly supports your conclusion

Making a claim without providing any premises

Restating premises that depend on the conclusion being true (correct)

Which of the following statements exemplifies begging the question?

Basic income should be provided to those who are impoverished.

Financial subsidies are necessary for the wellbeing of the poor.

Those who are poor should receive monetary support to improve their situation. (correct)

People below the poverty line deserve financial help.

Why is it problematic to present premises that only reiterate the conclusion?

They can confuse the audience about the argument.

They are easier to refute in a debate.

They often introduce logical fallacies unrelated to the main argument.

They only appeal to those who already agree with the conclusion. (correct)

What consequence can arise from relying on premises that beg the question?

It can lead to circular reasoning and weaken the argument. Signup and view all the answers

In which scenario is it most likely that begging the question occurs?

When the premises merely restate or assume the conclusion Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary characteristic of a 'universal' audience?

They are open-minded and diverse. Signup and view all the answers

What is often the goal of arguing in public debates?

To establish consensus or make decisions. Signup and view all the answers

In conflict scenarios like union negotiations, what is crucial for success?

Recognizing the premises acceptable to both sides. Signup and view all the answers

How can agreement be secured in situations where audiences disagree?

By employing premises acceptable to both sides. Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary argument made by supporters of urban coyotes?

Coyotes can coexist peacefully with humans. Signup and view all the answers

What do non-supporters of urban coyotes argue?

Coyotes can pose problems and attack pets. Signup and view all the answers

What role does critical thinking play in discussions involving a universal audience?

It aids in developing shared understanding. Signup and view all the answers

What may be the outcome of arguments addressing a universal audience?

Establishment of decision-making and understanding. Signup and view all the answers

What effect do inconsistent letters have on the credibility of an arguer?

They may damage the credibility. Signup and view all the answers

What is the most severe kind of inconsistency an arguer can present?

A contradiction. Signup and view all the answers

How can an arguer address unacceptable premises in their argument?

By providing further arguments that back their premises. Signup and view all the answers

What denotes a strong sense of contradiction?

Statements that cannot both be true at the same time in the same respect. Signup and view all the answers

What implication does saying 'She is the best sister one could have, even though she has stolen from me on occasion' carry?

A contradiction in the claims made. Signup and view all the answers

What happens when premises are inconsistent?

There is no way to defend inconsistent premises. Signup and view all the answers

What might members of a hiring committee question in response to inconsistent letters of recommendation?

The credibility of the recommender. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement illustrates a weak contradiction?

I believe this is a good idea, but it may have issues. Signup and view all the answers

What is one significant challenge when assessing the premise of dignity in relation to sex work?

The definition of dignity varies widely. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement reflects a questionable premise regarding the choice of women in prostitution?

No woman would choose prostitution if she were warm and fed. Signup and view all the answers

Why might the premise stating dignity is innate be deemed controversial?

It requires concrete evidence to support its truth. Signup and view all the answers

What is indicated as a reason to possibly support legislation for sex workers?

Sex workers should not be treated as commodities. Signup and view all the answers

What problem does the text highlight regarding generalizations in arguments about sex work?

They can be difficult to validate empirically. Signup and view all the answers

What aspect is crucial for determining whether a premise in an argument is acceptable?

The premise must have supporting evidence. Signup and view all the answers

In the context of the letter writer's arguments, what does treating humans with dignity imply?

Humans should always be treated with respect. Signup and view all the answers

What conclusion can be drawn about premises that are vague or ambiguous?

They may lead to the acceptance of flawed arguments. Signup and view all the answers

What might some residents in urban areas consider coyotes to be?

Dangerous nuisances Signup and view all the answers

In discussing the acceptable premises regarding coyotes, what factor must be considered?

The attitudes of the residents Signup and view all the answers

What is implied about the burden of proof when a premise is accepted as it stands?

The burden rests on those who reject the premise Signup and view all the answers

What does the discussion about urban coyotes require from a moral perspective?

An examination of risk and responsibility Signup and view all the answers

How are the premises regarding coyotes affected by geographical differences?

They are influenced by local attitudes towards wildlife Signup and view all the answers

What must be established to justify arguments involving coyote management in cities?

The cost of eliminating coyotes must be less than potential risks Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential attitude some residents may have towards coyotes?

They consider them an extension of urban nature Signup and view all the answers

In arguing about legal scooter use on sidewalks in New York, who holds the burden of proof if the claim is illegal?

The person asserting the law holds the burden Signup and view all the answers

What does it indicate if a premise is accepted without further support?

It is generally accepted as truth. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following claims is likely to be considered questionable?

The Grind is a humane process. Signup and view all the answers

What type of claims can be established as acceptable by definitions?

Self-evident claims. Signup and view all the answers

Which claim suggests a comparison that may be difficult to validate?

Hunting whales is like playing violent video games. Signup and view all the answers

How should missing evidence in an argument be addressed?

By stating what needs clarification. Signup and view all the answers

What is the implication of stating that traditions are very important to a culture?

It may represent a perspective that needs support or clarification. Signup and view all the answers

Why might the claim 'The Grind is a barbaric practice' be seen as unacceptable?

It is based on subjective opinion without supporting evidence. Signup and view all the answers

What does it mean if a claim cannot be defended in front of a universal audience?

It requires more evidence and support. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Premises: Consistent, True, Acceptable

A strong argument requires acceptable premises and a valid inference.
Acceptable premises can be true, likely true, plausibly true, or more probable than not.
Determining premise acceptability depends on context and consequences. High standards are required for arguments with significant consequences.
Arguments with multiple perspectives and complex facts often require higher standards of premise acceptability.

Consistency and Inconsistency

Responsible arguers are consistent; their beliefs and claims are compatible.
Inconsistent premises contradict each other, for instance, claiming simultaneous presence at two locations.
Inconsistencies damage credibility.

Truth and Acceptability

Premises can be acceptable due to their truth value.
Evaluating premise acceptability is complex, involving truth, probability, plausibility, moral or political justification, or reasonable hypotheses.
Context plays a vital role in determining acceptability. Standards vary depending on the situation.