Logical reasoning
This type of reasoning moves from specific examples to a general conclusion.
inductive reasoning
This appeal to logic uses reasons, evidence, and clear structure to persuade
logos
This describes an argument whose conclusion must be true if all its premises are true
Hint: V... a...t
a valid argument
In the “tree of reasoning,” these are the hidden beliefs or ideas that must be true for the argument to work
assumptions (the roots)
“All humans are mortal. Socrates is human. _____ , Socrates is mortal.”
Therefore
This type of reasoning moves from general premises to a specific, logically certain conclusion.
deductive reasoning
This appeal to emotion tries to persuade by making the audience feel sympathy, fear, anger, or pride.
pathos
This describes a valid argument whose premises are actually true in the real world.
Hint: S... a... t
sound argument
In the “tree of reasoning,” this is the main point or position the writer is trying to prove.
the claim / thesis (the trunk)
An argument is sound if it is valid and all its premises are _____.
true
A flaw in reasoning that weakens an argument
logical fallacy
This appeal to credibility relies on the speaker’s character, expertise, or trustworthiness.
ethos
A sound argument must be this, and all its premises must be true.
hint: V
valid
In the “tree of reasoning,” these are the major reasons that support the claim and grow out of the trunk.
reasons / main arguments (the branches)
“Attacking the person instead of the argument is called an ____ fallacy.
ad hominem
This word often signals a conclusion in an EGP-style argument
“therefore” (or “thus”, “so”, “hence”)
Using a celebrity who is not an expert to support a scientific claim is an example of this weak appeal.
appeal to (false) authority
An argument can be valid but still this, if at least one premise is false
Hint: u
unsound
n the “tree of reasoning,” these are the specific facts, examples, statistics, and quotations that support each reason.
evidence (the leaves)
“In the tree of reasoning, the ____ represent the main claim or thesis.”
“trunk”
In critical thinking, this skill involves identifying assumptions, evaluating evidence, and spotting weaknesses in arguments.
critical thinking / evaluation of arguments
An advertisement that says, “Join millions of satisfied customers,” is mainly using this kind of appeal
appeal to popularity / bandwagon (a type of pathos)
Because a sound argument is valid and has true premises, its conclusion must be this
hint: T _ _ _
true
If the “roots” of the tree are weak or false, the whole tree becomes unstable; in reasoning, this describes an argument built on faulty or unjustified assumptions.
an unsound or weak argument (due to false assumptions)
“If an argument is valid but has at least one false premise, it is ______.”
unsound