Inductive Arguments and Inference

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Questions and Answers

What characterizes a strong inductive argument?

It guarantees the truth of the conclusion.
It provides probable support for the conclusion. (correct)
The conclusion must be logically compelling.
Its premises must be true for the conclusion to be true.

In the context of inductive arguments, what does 'weak' signify?

The premises are always untrue.
It cannot be used in reasoning.
The conclusion is definitively false.
The argument fails to provide probable support. (correct)

What is the purpose of 'Inference to the Best Explanation'?

To derive a conclusion based solely on statistical evidence.
To ensure the truth of the conclusion.
To eliminate all alternative explanations.
To explain a state of affairs based on given premises. (correct)

What makes an inductive argument cogent?

<p>It is strong and has true premises. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best represents the conclusion in the example about Tariq?

<p>Tariq probably didn’t read the material. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Inductive Arguments

Inductive arguments are those that aim to make their conclusions more probable or likely, based on the strength of the evidence presented in the premises. They do not guarantee the truth of the conclusion even if the premises are true.

Strong Inductive Argument

A strong inductive argument is one where, if the premises are true, the conclusion is very likely to be true. The evidence strongly supports the claim being made.

Weak Inductive Argument

A weak inductive argument is one where the premises, even if true, do not provide strong support for the conclusion. The evidence seems to be missing something or doesn't fully connect the dots.

Inference to the Best Explanation

A type of inductive argument where we reason from a set of observations or facts about a situation to the best or most likely explanation for that situation. We're finding the most logical reason for something happening.

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Cogent Inductive Argument

A cogent inductive argument is both strong (the premises strongly support the conclusion) and has true premises. Therefore, the conclusion is likely to be true.

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Study Notes

Inductive Arguments

Inductive arguments aim to increase the probability of a conclusion.
A strong inductive argument makes its conclusion likely to be true if the premises are true.
Weak arguments fail to provide this likely support.

Inference to the Best Explanation

This reasoning type concludes from premises describing a situation to an explanation for that situation.
Example:
- Premise 1: Tariq failed his philosophy course.
- Premise 2: The best explanation for his failure is that he didn't read the material.
- Conclusion: Therefore, he probably didn't read the material.

Review: Inductive Arguments

Inductive arguments attempt to make the conclusion more probable.
A strong argument has a conclusion that is probably true if its premises are true.
Inductive arguments are not truth-preserving, meaning their structure doesn't guarantee the truth of the conclusion, even if the premises are true.
A cogent inductive argument is both strong and has true premises.

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Description

Test your understanding of inductive arguments and inference to the best explanation. This quiz covers the definitions, characteristics, and strength of inductive arguments, as well as practical examples. Enhance your critical thinking skills with these concepts in logic.