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All 11 Flashcards — Evaluating arguments
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Question
What is evaluating an argument?
Answer
Testing how strong it is — showing where it succeeds or fails — not just agreeing or disagreeing.
Question
The two lines of attack on any argument?
Answer
Deny a premise is true (unsound), or deny the conclusion follows (invalid).
Question
What is a counterexample?
Answer
A single clear case that shows a general claim is false — e.g. a penguin against 'all birds fly'.
Question
Straw man fallacy?
Answer
Attacking a weaker, distorted version of a view instead of what was actually said.
Question
Ad hominem fallacy?
Answer
Attacking the person instead of their argument.
Question
Begging the question?
Answer
Assuming the very thing you're trying to prove — arguing in a circle.
Question
False dilemma?
Answer
Pretending there are only two options when more exist.
Question
What is steelmanning?
Answer
Stating the strongest, fairest version of a view before you object to it.
Question
The Indian purvapaksa method?
Answer
State your opponent's view fully and fairly first, then reply — steelmanning built into the method.
Question
The evaluation recipe?
Answer
Steelman the view, locate its weak point (premise or logic), weigh it, and decide.
Question
Why does evaluation earn the top band?
Answer
Description states views; evaluation weighs them and reaches a reasoned judgement — the mark of doing philosophy.
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Topic 11.2 hub
Evaluating arguments
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