Arg Basics
This is the statement an argument is trying to prove.
What is the conclusion (or claim)?
This is the term for an error in reasoning.
What is a fallacy?
A deductive argument is valid if the conclusion __________ from the premises.
What is “follows necessarily” (or “must follow”)?
This ethical lens focuses on producing the greatest good for the greatest number.
What is the Utilitarian lens?
This type of reasoning provides probable (but not guaranteed) support.
What is inductive reasoning?
Identify the conclusion: Since the library is closed, we’ll have to study somewhere else.
What is "we'll have to study somewhere else"?
“Everyone in my dorm believes the policy is unfair, so it must be unfair.”
What is ad populum?
In a categorical syllogism, the middle term appears in the __________.
premises (both premises but not the conclusion)?
This lens argues that people should never be treated merely as a means to an end.
What is the Rights lens?
This type of reasoning guarantees the conclusion if valid.
What is deductive reasoning?
Certain words signal parts of arguments
Conclusion indicators: Premise Indicators:
therefore because
so since
thus for
hence given that
consequently
“If we allow students to redo one assignment, soon no deadlines will matter.”
What is a slippery slope fallacy?
Determine if this is valid or invalid:
All musicians are creative.
Taylor is creative.
Therefore, Taylor is a musician.
What is invalid?
(Undistributed middle — creativity does not guarantee musician.)
Identify the ethical lens:
“We must consider how this decision affects the most vulnerable members of our community.”
What is the Common Good lens?
Identify the type of reasoning:
Every storm this week has started in the afternoon.
Tomorrow’s storm will probably start in the afternoon
What is inductive reasoning?
Rewrite in standard form
You should wear sunscreen because it prevents skin damage.
Standard form:
Sunscreen prevents skin damage.
You should do things that prevent skin damage. (implicit premise acceptable)
Therefore, you should wear sunscreen.
“You can’t trust her opinion on nutrition — she eats fast food.”
What is an ad hominem fallacy?
Identify the form (conditional, categorical, or disjunctive):
Either the package arrived today or it arrives tomorrow.
It did not arrive today.
Therefore, it arrives tomorrow.
What is a disjunctive syllogism?
(It is valid.)
Identify the ethical lens:
“This action is wrong because it violates a person’s fundamental freedom.”
What is the Rights lens?
Identify the form and evaluate validity:
If the alarm is set, it will ring at 7am.
The alarm is set.
Therefore, it will ring at 7am.
Form: Conditional syllogism (affirming the antecedent)
Validity: Valid
Explain two characteristics of a strong (good) argument.
A strong argument:
Has true premises
Provides good evidence/support
Is logically structured
Gives the audience good reasons to accept the conclusion
Have you stopped cheating on tests?
Loaded Question Fallacy
Explain the difference between a valid argument and a sound argument.
What is the difference between validity and soundness?
Valid = structure guarantees conclusion if premises are true
Sound = valid + all premises are actually true
List and briefly explain the five steps in ethical decision-making.
Identify the ethical issue/framework
Get the facts
Evaluate alternative actions
Choose an option and test it
Implement and reflect
A student argues:
Every practice exam I’ve taken has included at least one question about fallacies.
So, the upcoming exam will definitely include a fallacy question.
What type of reasoning is this?
Is the conclusion guaranteed or only probable?
What is inductive reasoning?
The conclusion is probable, not guaranteed.