Lecture 8

Question 1

Why do we evaluate arguments

Answer 1

to figuring out…….
- What is reasonable to believe (since we want to get at the truth)**
- What is not reasonable to believe ( since we want to avoid error)

Question 2

Why shouldn’t you criticize an argument by merley denying it’s conclusion

Answer 2

it could be disconfirmation bias

Question 3

What are three reasons to criticize and argument?

Answer 3

(a) If the argument is ill formed
(b) If the argument is valid
(c ) if the argument is cogent

Question 4

What should you do if the argument is ill formed?

Answer 4

Point out that the premise doesn’t support the conclusion

Question 5

What should you do if the argument is valid?

Answer 5

Focus on whether the premises are r/j/r to believe .

Question 6

What should you do if the argument is cogent?

Answer 6

(i) whether the premise are r/i/r to believe
(ii) whether the argument is defeated

Question 7

Why shouldn’t you accept an argument because you believe the conclusion?

Answer 7

• It could be conformation bias
• weak argument for true conclusions

Question 8

Where should you direct criticisms?

Answer 8

On the Individual premise not rational/justified/reasonable to believe because either

(i) you have good reason to think the premise is false or
(ii) you have good reason to suspend judgment about it .

Question 9

How should criticize Individual inferences?

Answer 9

As either invalid or not cogent

Question 10

substantial criticism test?

Answer 10

ask yourself how a reasonable defender of the premise/ argument would react

Question 11

What is substantial critisim

Answer 11

give reasons to think the premise
Is not r/j/r to believe because either

(I) you have good reason to think the premise is false or
(ii) you have good reason to suspend judgment about it

Question 12

Why shouldn’t you accept the conclusion of two competing arguments? what should you do instead?

Answer 12

It’s self defeating. You cannot at same time think both argument are equally strong( While being rational).

so just suspend judgement

Question 13

What is a compound argument?

Answer 13

compound argument is one that contains sub-argument

Question 14

How should you critisize a compound argument?

Answer 14

• you should criticize the reason offered
• or the inference leading towards the conclusion.

Question 15

What is exhaustive?

Answer 15

complete list of what’s on the menu

Question 16

What is exclusive

Answer 16

2 options cancel each other out

Question 17

What is non- exhaustive

Answer 17

a list that’s not full

Question 18

What is non- exclusive?

Answer 18

you can both options at the same time