Philosophy of Knowledge and Arguments

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Questions and Answers

What is radical skepticism primarily concerned with?

Questioning specific knowledge claims.

Establishing certainty in knowledge.

Doubting the possibility of knowledge itself. (correct)

Encouraging empirical evidence for claims.

How is a deductive argument characterized?

The conclusion is unlikely based on the premises.

It focuses on subjective opinions rather than logical structure.

It involves premises that provide weak support for the conclusion.

It guarantees that if the premises are true, the conclusion must also be true. (correct)

What does validity in an argument refer to?

The correctness of the premises provided.

The emotional appeal of the argument.

The factual accuracy of the conclusion.

The logical structure of the argument alone. (correct)

Which of the following best describes an inductive argument?

It provides evidence that makes the conclusion likely but not certain. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes radical skepticism from everyday skepticism?

Radical skepticism raises doubts about the very possibility of knowledge. Signup and view all the answers

In a valid argument, if the premises are true, what must be true about the conclusion?

The conclusion must logically follow from the premises. Signup and view all the answers

What type of argument provides the strongest claim about the conclusion being true?

Deductive argument. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately reflects the nature of premises in an argument?

Premises provide support for the conclusion. Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of soundness in an argument?

An argument that is both valid and has true premises. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of argument suggests the conclusion is the best explanation for the premises?

Inference to the Best Explanation Signup and view all the answers

When evaluating an inductive argument, what quality indicates that the premises make the conclusion likely to be true?

Strength Signup and view all the answers

In the context of arguments, what does the term 'validity' refer to?

Whether the conclusion logically follows from the premises. Signup and view all the answers

What concept is necessary to distinguish when discussing probability in mathematics compared to everyday use?

Ambiguity Signup and view all the answers

Which example illustrates an inductive argument?

35 out of 103 students walk to school, thus about a third at UCLA do too. Signup and view all the answers

Descartes' skeptical argument raises questions about which aspect of knowledge?

The reliability of our senses. Signup and view all the answers

If an argument is strong, what can be said about the premises and conclusion?

They make the conclusion likely but not certain. Signup and view all the answers

How does statistical reasoning support conclusions in inductive arguments?

By making the conclusion appear more likely based on data. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Radical Skepticism

Radical skepticism questions if knowledge is attainable.
It differs from everyday skepticism, which questions specifics.
It challenges the very possibility of knowledge.

Arguments in Philosophy

A philosophical argument isn't a quarrel; it's a logical process.
A conclusion is presented as following from premises (supporting claims).
Premises are statements that support the conclusion.

Types of Arguments

Deductive Arguments:
- If premises are true, the conclusion must be true.
- A certain relationship exists between premises and conclusion.
- Example: All humans are mortal, Socrates is human, therefore Socrates is mortal.
Inductive Arguments:
- Conclusion is likely or probable based on premises.
- Premises give evidence, but don't guarantee the conclusion.
- Example: Most birds fly, a penguin is a bird, so a penguin likely flies.

Validity and Soundness

Validity: The structure of an argument; if premises are true, the conclusion must be true.
Soundness: Validity + true premises.
Example: All cats have tails, Felix is a cat, so Felix has a tail. This argument is valid and sound if both premises are true.

Inductive Arguments (Strength and Probability)

Strength: In inductive arguments, if premises make the conclusion likely, it's considered strong.
Statistical Reasoning: Arguments using statistics show the probability of a conclusion.
Example: 35/103 students walk to school, so about a third of students at the school likely walk.

Inference to the Best Explanation

The conclusion is the best explanation for the premises.
Example: Car engine sputtered and stopped, gas gauge reads empty. The car is out of gas (best explanation).

Certainty, Probability, and Chance

Certainty and probability are ambiguous; they're used in many ways.
In mathematics, probability is a function between 0 and 1, and displays how likely something is.
Everyday use of probability can differ from the mathematical definition.

Evaluating Arguments

Philosophers evaluate arguments for validity and soundness in deductive reasoning.
In inductive reasoning, philosophers asses strength.
A good argument's conclusion logically follows from true premises.

Skeptical Argument Example (Descartes)

Descartes argued that senses can deceive, so we shouldn't blindly trust them.
This is a radical skeptical argument questioning the reliability of knowledge.

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Description

Explore the depths of radical skepticism and its challenges to the nature of knowledge. Delve into various types of philosophical arguments, including deductive and inductive reasoning. Understand the concepts of validity and soundness in argumentation.