Practice Flashcards
What is evaluating an argument?
Track your progress — Sign up free to save your progress and get smart review reminders based on spaced repetition.
All Flashcards in Topic 11.2
Below are all 11 flashcards for this topic. Sign up free to track your progress and get personalized review schedules.
11.2.111 cards
What is evaluating an argument?
Testing how strong it is — showing where it succeeds or fails — not just agreeing or disagreeing.
The two lines of attack on any argument?
Deny a premise is true (unsound), or deny the conclusion follows (invalid).
What is a counterexample?
A single clear case that shows a general claim is false — e.g. a penguin against 'all birds fly'.
Straw man fallacy?
Attacking a weaker, distorted version of a view instead of what was actually said.
Ad hominem fallacy?
Attacking the person instead of their argument.
Begging the question?
Assuming the very thing you're trying to prove — arguing in a circle.
False dilemma?
Pretending there are only two options when more exist.
What is steelmanning?
Stating the strongest, fairest version of a view before you object to it.
The Indian purvapaksa method?
State your opponent's view fully and fairly first, then reply — steelmanning built into the method.
The evaluation recipe?
Steelman the view, locate its weak point (premise or logic), weigh it, and decide.
Why does evaluation earn the top band?
Description states views; evaluation weighs them and reaches a reasoned judgement — the mark of doing philosophy.
Topic 11.2 study notes
Full notes & explanations for Evaluating arguments
Philosophy exam skills
Paper structures, command terms & tips
Want smart review reminders?
Sign up free to track your progress. Our spaced repetition algorithm will tell you exactly which cards to review and when.
Start Free