Introducing Arguments (PHI1025F): Comprehensive Study Guide
This document includes:
Introducing Arguments:
Test 1 Revision:
Definitions
Obstacles to Rationality & Identifying Them in Passages
Identifying Arguments (Premises and Conclusions)
Difference Between Reasons, Explanat...
The value of thinking critically, how to identify arguments, and what biases,
philosophical positions and rhetorical devices get in the way of our thinking critically.
Critical thinking: The systematic evaluation or formulation of beliefs, or statements, by
rational standards (Vaughn, 2018)
Its systematic as it involves distinct procedures/methods. It entails evaluation & formulation
as it assesses existing beliefs and devise new ones. It operates according to reasonable
standards as beliefs are judged according to reasons/ing supporting them.
1. Inclined to find fault or to judge with severity.
2. Characterized by careful, exact evaluation and judgment Critical thinking in this sense
means carefully evaluating your thoughts and ideas and the thoughts of others.
WHY?
1. To make better decisions 3. Find the truth
2. To make it clear why you believe 4. Do better at uni
what you believe 5. Convince others
Arguments:
A group of statements in which some of them (premises) are intended to support another of
them (conclusions). It’s an attempt to provide reasons (should provide grounds for thinking
claim is true) for thinking the claim is true.
1. an oral disagreement; verbal opposition; contention; altercation
2. a process of reasoning; series of reasons
Second sense of argument, assessing the reasons someone gives their claim.
1. Claim (Conclusion) : Assertion that something is/isn’t the case, e.g. so, thus,
therefore etc.
2. Reasons (Premises) : Backs up conclusion , e.g. for, since, given that, because etc.
Logic ( the study of inference & rules that govern it) can be used rhetorically to persuade
someone.
, Critical Thinking PHI1025F
Reasons: provide evidence, support/justify Indicator words: Words that frequently
other claims accompany arguments and signal that a
premise/conclusion is present.
Explanations: Statement/s intended to tell
why/how something is the case, clarify Conclusion: the statement that the
other claims. premises are intended to support.
Inference: Process of reasoning from Deductive: conclusion must be true
premise/s to a conclusion based on those
Inductive: likely to be true
premises
Psychological Barriers: Bias and loose of language:
o Personal Bias; accept arguments
that match with beliefs, hold beliefs
with self-interest, overestimate our
abilities. o Cultural Bias; causes;
1. Popularity of belief/behavior
Vested interest: Personal interest in which
2. Fear of social exclusion
participation in an arrangement/situation
3. In-group superiority
due to an expectation of gain (money)
o Subjectivism or relativism and
Saving Face: avoiding humiliation or Value judgements
embarrassment in order to maintain o Language & Knowledge;
reputation/dignity. o Random Sentences
o Vagueness and Empty rhetoric
o Ambiguity
o Emotive Language and Spin
Philosophical Barriers: relativism-> if a group believes it then its true
The rule of truth → Something ought to be believed if only there’s sufficient evidence that is
(likely) true.
Strength and Cogency
Strength corresponds with validity: • Can come in degrees.
• Strong argument = if premise true Cogency (logical) corresponds with
then conclusion true soundness.
The benefits of buying summaries with Stuvia:
Guaranteed quality through customer reviews
Stuvia customers have reviewed more than 700,000 summaries. This how you know that you are buying the best documents.
Quick and easy check-out
You can quickly pay through credit card or Stuvia-credit for the summaries. There is no membership needed.
Focus on what matters
Your fellow students write the study notes themselves, which is why the documents are always reliable and up-to-date. This ensures you quickly get to the core!
Frequently asked questions
What do I get when I buy this document?
You get a PDF, available immediately after your purchase. The purchased document is accessible anytime, anywhere and indefinitely through your profile.
Satisfaction guarantee: how does it work?
Our satisfaction guarantee ensures that you always find a study document that suits you well. You fill out a form, and our customer service team takes care of the rest.
Who am I buying these notes from?
Stuvia is a marketplace, so you are not buying this document from us, but from seller anastasiabarron55. Stuvia facilitates payment to the seller.
Will I be stuck with a subscription?
No, you only buy these notes for $4.40. You're not tied to anything after your purchase.
