Basic Arguments and Fallacies

Random 1

100

this means "the process of giving a systematic account of reasons in support of a claim or belief."

argument

200

essential features of a basic argument include these two elements

premises and a conclusion 

300

P1: All men are mortal

P2: Mr. Hadley is a man

C: Therefore,...

Mr. Hadley is mortal 

400

this type of argument gathers evidence which makes the conclusion probable

inductive 

500

this law of logic says that "whatever something is, that is what it is" 

for any object (A) that object is what it is (A) and not something else 

"things are what they are" 

Law of Identity 

Random 2

100

It looks like this:

P1: If A, then B

P2: B

C: Therefore, A

affirming the consequent  

200

this type of argument states that because an expert thinks the claim is true, the claim must be true 

inappropriate appeal to authority fallacy 

300

this type of argument suggests that a question has only two possible answers and that a choice must be made between those two only 

false dilemma fallacy 

400

this type of argument is directed at a person, instead of at a line of reasoning, in an effort to show the opponent's position is incorrect 

Ad Hominem (Latin for "to the man") fallacy

500

this type of argument is circular in nature and occurs when the truth of one or more premises depends on the truth of the conclusion 

begging the question fallacy 

Random 3

100

good arguments connect the premises to this 

the conclusion 

200

If an argument is this it means that the premises are relevant to the conclusion 

valid 

300

this kind of argument is defined as premises which support a conclusion 

deductive 

400

this type of syllogism "affirms a condition that guarantees a conclusion"

Modus Ponens

500

this law of logic deals with the properties of an object

for any proposition P, P and not-P cannot both be true at the same time and in the same sense 

Law of non-contradiction 

Random 4

100

this type of argument is an appeal to popularity in an effort to show the claim is true, i.e. since so many people believe the claim, the claim must be true 

Ad Populum (Latin for "to the people") fallacy

200

this type of argument attempts to prove false (or true) an idea based on the original source of that idea 

genetic fallacy 

300

this type of argument looks like this:

P1: If A, then B

P2: Not A

C: Therefore, not B

denying the antecedent 

400

this type of argument is an intentional distraction away from relevant issues 

red herring fallacy 

500

this type of argument has been intentionally weakened, distorted, or is an obviously false version of your opponent's argument 

straw man fallacy 

Random 5

100

if an argument is valid it does not mean this

it is true

200

this is the word used to describe a mistake in reason 

fallacy 

300

we always ask this question when examining a deductive argument

are the premises true?

400

this type of syllogism "denys the content in the conclusion by denying a condition that is necessary to guarantee the conclusion."

Modus Tollens

500

this law of logic deals with clear, unambiguous statements

unambiguous means not open to more than one interpretation 

asserts that either P or not-P must be true 

Law of excluded middle