Critical Thinking and Argumentation

What is the main difference between an explanation and an argument?

An explanation assumes the conclusion is true, while an argument treats it as controversial.

What is a necessary condition for an argument to be considered valid?

The conclusion must follow logically from the premises.

What is an example of a formal fallacy in an argument?

Denying the antecedent in a conditional statement.

What is the primary function of a conclusion in an argument?

To state the controversial claim that is being argued for. Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for an argument that has a valid form but false premises?

Unsound argument Signup and view all the answers

What is the phrase that often indicates the conclusion of an argument?

Therefore, it follows that Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the rider 'no countervailing considerations' in an argument?

To ensure that the reason being offered is cumulatively sufficient for the conclusion Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of an argumentative exchange?

To exchange reasons for and against a conclusion Signup and view all the answers

What is the key difference between undermining a reason and disproving a claim?

Undermining a reason is about showing it's unsupported, while disproving a claim is about showing it's false Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of an argument from authority?

To refer to a authoritative source to support a claim Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between a normative and a descriptive claim?

Normative claims are about what should be, while descriptive claims are about what is Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the dynamic back-and-forth interplay of argumentative burdens?

Dynamic back-and-forth interplay Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the fallacy of assuming that a claim is true simply because an authority says so?

Appeal to authority Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of using conditional statements in an argument?

To ensure that the reason being offered is sufficient for the conclusion only if certain conditions are met Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the fallacy of assuming that a claim is true because it is consistent with one's own beliefs or values?

Circular reasoning Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary difference between a formal and an informal fallacy?

Formal fallacies are about the structure of an argument, while informal fallacies are about the content Signup and view all the answers

What is the error in reasoning called when a conditional statement is combined with a premise that denies the antecedent, and a conclusion is drawn that denies the consequent?

Fallacy of combining a conditional premise Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the mistake of assuming that a conditional statement entails its inverse?

Fallacy of illicit inversion Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a valid argument form?

Modus ponens Signup and view all the answers

What is the distinction between descriptive and normative claims referred to as?

Is vs. ought Signup and view all the answers

What type of fallacy involves mistakes in the logical structure of an argument?

Formal fallacy Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for an argument that is flawed in some crucial respect, but whose flaw is not readily apparent?

Non sequitur Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for assuming what one needs to prove?

Begging the question Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for presenting an argument for a conclusion whose truth is immaterial to what is at issue?

Irrelevant conclusion Signup and view all the answers

What is the fallacy of inferring that the conclusion of an argument is false from the fact that the argument is fallacious?

Fallacy fallacy Signup and view all the answers

What is the type of argument that is often used in legal and judicial practice?

Legal syllogism Signup and view all the answers