20 Questions
What makes an argument valid?
Being impossible for premises to be true while the conclusion is false
Which type of argument provides certain knowledge?
Deductive arguments
What does begging the question refer to?
Presupposing the truth of something you are trying to prove
According to Descartes, what should one do based on the Dream Argument?
Withhold assent from beliefs that are not completely certain
What characterizes a cogent inductive argument?
Probabilistic knowledge and aiming at soundness
What does 'Inferences to the Best Explanation' focus on?
'Specifics -> Generalities' pattern
According to Descartes' Divisibility Argument for Mind/Body Dualism, what would be the case if the mind and body were identical?
The body would be divisible only if the mind were indivisible.
What is the main objection Princess Elizabeth raised against Cartesian Dualism?
The inability of Descartes to explain how the mind and body causally interact.
According to the Type/Token Distinction, what does 'Type' refer to?
A class of things.
What is the key difference between Reductivism and Eliminativism?
Reductivism holds that a thing is just the sum of its parts, while Eliminativism argues a construct of a thing is invalid and illusory.
What does Frank Jackson's Knowledge Argument aim to demonstrate?
The limitations of human perception in understanding colors.
Which theory asserts that pain is identical to C4 fiber firings?
Mind/Body Identity Theory
Descartes' Evil Demon Argument serves to argue that one should withhold assent from beliefs because:
An all-powerful, malevolent demon could be deceiving us into false beliefs.
According to Descartes' Cogito, what is the one thing that cannot be doubted?
Own existence as a thinking thing
In Descartes' Proof of God, why does he argue that only God could have caused his idea of God?
No finite and imperfect being could have caused the idea.
According to Descartes, which substances exist independently without depending on other finite things?
God
What is the essence or attribute of the mind according to Descartes?
The mind is a thinking thing.
According to Descartes, what pertains to the degree of reality of an existing substance?
Formal reality
Why does Descartes need to prove God's existence in his philosophical system?
To establish that clearly and distinctly perceived things are true.
'The Cartesian Circle' refers to what aspect of Descartes' philosophy?
'Begging the question' by presupposing truth.
Prepare for your first exam by reviewing critical thinking concepts such as validity, soundness, deduction, and induction. Learn the difference between valid and invalid arguments with examples, and understand the importance of true premises in sound reasoning.
Make Your Own Quizzes and Flashcards
Convert your notes into interactive study material.
Get started for free
