Critical Thinking and Argumentation

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Questions and Answers

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

An explanation is used to demonstrate a causal relationship, whereas an argument is used to persuade.

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

An explanation is an informal fallacy, while an argument is a formal fallacy.

An explanation is a descriptive claim, while an argument is a normative claim.

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

The conclusion must follow logically from the premises. (correct)

The argument must be free of circular reasoning.

All the premises must be true.

The argument must be persuasive to the audience.

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

Making a false analogy to support the claim.

Denying the antecedent in a conditional statement. (correct)

Asserting the conclusion without providing evidence.

Using an ad hominem attack to discredit the opponent.

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

Study Notes

Explanations vs. Arguments

Explanations aim to clarify why something is the case, while arguments aim to persuade someone of the truth of a claim.
Arguments have a conclusion that is supported by reasons called premises.
A necessary condition for an argument to be valid is having a logical connection between the premises and the conclusion.

Argument Validity and Fallacies

A formal fallacy is a mistake in the logical structure of an argument.
An example is the affirming the consequent fallacy: If P then Q, Q therefore P.
A sound argument is valid and has true premises.
An argument with a valid form but false premises is called an unsound argument.

Argument Components and Functions

The conclusion of an argument is the claim being supported.
The phrase "therefore" often indicates the conclusion of an argument.
The rider "no countervailing considerations" in an argument asserts that there are no other relevant factors to consider.

Argumentative Exchange

The primary goal of an argumentative exchange is to reach a shared understanding or to persuade others.

Undermining Reasons vs Disproving Claims

Undermining a reason weakens the support for a claim.
Disproving a claim shows that the claim is false.

Argument from Authority

Arguments from authority rely on the credibility of a source to support a claim.
The primary function is to establish the reliability of a claim based on expert opinion.

Normative vs. Descriptive Claims

Normative claims express values, judgments, or beliefs about what ought to be.
Descriptive claims describe facts or states of affairs about what is.

Argumentative Burdens and Fallacies

The dialectical process refers to the dynamic back-and-forth interplay of argumentative burdens.
Appeal to authority fallacy assumes a claim is true simply because someone with authority said so.
Conditional statements in an argument can help establish relationships between propositions.
Confirmation bias fallacy assumes a claim is true because it aligns with personal beliefs.

Formal vs. Informal Fallacies

Formal fallacies are errors in the logical structure of an argument.
Informal fallacies are errors in the content or reasoning of an argument.

Common Fallacy Types

Denying the antecedent fallacy involves using a conditional statement, denying the antecedent, and then concluding that the consequent is false.
Converse fallacy occurs when assuming a conditional statement entails its inverse (if P then Q, therefore if not P then not Q).
Valid argument forms follow rules of logic that ensure if the premises are true, then the conclusion must be true.
The distinction between descriptive and normative claims is often called the fact-value distinction.
Fallacies of relevance occur when the premises of an argument are not relevant to the conclusion.
A sophism is an argument that is flawed in some crucial way, but the flaw is not readily apparent.
Begging the question fallacy assumes what one needs to prove.
Red herring fallacy presents an argument for a conclusion whose truth is immaterial to what is at issue.
Fallacy fallacy wrongly infers that the conclusion of an argument is false because the argument is fallacious.
Argument from precedent is often used in legal and judicial practice, drawing conclusions from past cases and decisions.

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Test your understanding of critical thinking and argumentation techniques by identifying the roles of different phrases in a conversation. Immerse yourself in this quiz and evaluate the relevance and truth of reasons presented in a discussion about going to a restaurant.