Critical Thinking Concepts: Validity and Soundness

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What makes an argument valid?

Being impossible for premises to be true while the conclusion is false (correct)

Having true premises and a false conclusion

Having premises that can be false while the conclusion is true

Being impossible for premises and conclusion to be true at the same time

Which type of argument provides certain knowledge?

Argument from best explanation

Deductive arguments (correct)

Cogent arguments

Inductive arguments

What does begging the question refer to?

Inducing generalities from specifics

Arguing with strong evidence

Presupposing the truth of something you are trying to prove (correct)

Providing a general statement followed by specifics

According to Descartes, what should one do based on the Dream Argument?

Withhold assent from beliefs that are not completely certain Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes a cogent inductive argument?

Probabilistic knowledge and aiming at soundness Signup and view all the answers

What does 'Inferences to the Best Explanation' focus on?

'Specifics -> Generalities' pattern Signup and view all the answers

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. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main objection Princess Elizabeth raised against Cartesian Dualism?

The inability of Descartes to explain how the mind and body causally interact. Signup and view all the answers

According to the Type/Token Distinction, what does 'Type' refer to?

A class of things. Signup and view all the answers

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. Signup and view all the answers

What does Frank Jackson's Knowledge Argument aim to demonstrate?

The limitations of human perception in understanding colors. Signup and view all the answers

Which theory asserts that pain is identical to C4 fiber firings?

Mind/Body Identity Theory Signup and view all the answers

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. Signup and view all the answers

According to Descartes' Cogito, what is the one thing that cannot be doubted?

Own existence as a thinking thing Signup and view all the answers

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. Signup and view all the answers

According to Descartes, which substances exist independently without depending on other finite things?

God Signup and view all the answers

What is the essence or attribute of the mind according to Descartes?

The mind is a thinking thing. Signup and view all the answers

According to Descartes, what pertains to the degree of reality of an existing substance?

Formal reality Signup and view all the answers

Why does Descartes need to prove God's existence in his philosophical system?

To establish that clearly and distinctly perceived things are true. Signup and view all the answers

'The Cartesian Circle' refers to what aspect of Descartes' philosophy?

'Begging the question' by presupposing truth. Signup and view all the answers