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Flip to reveal answersWhat is an argument (in philosophy)?
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All 11 Flashcards — Constructing arguments
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Question
What is an argument (in philosophy)?
Answer
Premises (reasons) offered to support a conclusion — not a quarrel.
Question
Premise vs conclusion?
Answer
A premise is a reason; the conclusion is the claim the reasons support.
Question
Premise vs conclusion signal words?
Answer
Premises: because, since, for. Conclusions: so, therefore, thus, hence.
Question
Deductive vs inductive argument?
Answer
Deductive: true premises make the conclusion certain. Inductive: they make it likely.
Question
What is validity?
Answer
The conclusion follows logically from the premises — about the form, not the truth.
Question
What is soundness?
Answer
A valid argument whose premises are also true. Sound arguments are hard to reject.
Question
Valid but not sound — example?
Answer
'All cats can fly; Milo is a cat; so Milo can fly.' Valid form, but a false premise.
Question
What is a hidden premise?
Answer
An unstated assumption an argument relies on — dragging it into the open lets you test it.
Question
The Nyaya five-step inference?
Answer
Indian logic: claim, reason, rule+example, apply, conclude — it shows the general rule, not just the conclusion.
Question
How do you build an argument?
Answer
State the claim, give real reasons, check the form (valid?), check the truth (sound?).
Question
Two ways to reject an argument?
Answer
Show the form is broken (invalid), or show a premise is false (unsound).
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Topic 11.1 hub
Constructing arguments
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