Class 2 - ARGUMENTS and LOGICAL FALLACIES Flashcards
(36 cards)
What is an argument in logic?
An argument is an assertion that includes premises and a conclusion.
What makes an argument valid?
An argument is valid if, when the premise is true, the conclusion must also be true.
What makes an argument sound?
An argument is sound when the logic is valid and the premises are actually true.
Why is examining assumptions important in an argument?
Because all assumptions that the argument depends on must be analyzed to ensure the argument is sound.
What is a claim?
A claim (also known as a proposition or statement) is an assertion of truth, existence, or value. It is either true or false and can become a conclusion if supported by premises.
Give examples of claims.
Examples include:
• “This class is easy.”
• “Sutherland-Chan grads are better than grads from other schools.”
• “This muscle is weak.”
What is a premise?
A premise is an assertion or proposition that forms the basis of a theory or argument. It is a starting point from which conclusions are drawn.
What are the key characteristics of a premise?
• Assumed to be true
• Supports the conclusion
• An argument can have one or many premises
Give an example of an argument with premises and conclusion.
Premise 1: Massage decreases pain
Premise 2: Less pain increases mobility and ROM
Conclusion: Therefore, massage increases mobility and ROM
How can a premise be wrong?
A premise can be true but incomplete, missing relevant facts needed to argue the conclusion properly.
What is an unwarranted assumption?
It’s a premise where the truth hasn’t been sufficiently established. People often choose assumptions that best support their preferred conclusions (rationalization).
What is an example of a potentially unwarranted assumption in massage therapy?
Premise: “Trigger points can be palpated by massage therapists.”
• We must ask: How has this been rationalized? What factors make it possibly unwarranted?
What is a hidden or implied premise?
A premise not directly stated. It can lead to unresolvable arguments, especially if terms have different definitions.
Give an example of an argument with a hidden premise in massage therapy.
Argument: “Massage therapists use myofascial techniques to break up fascial adhesions.”
Counter: “Massage therapists are unable to break up fascial adhesions with their hands or instruments.”
• The hidden premise might involve differing definitions of “adhesions” or “breaking up.”
What are the requirements for a valid and sound argument?
• Valid: If the premise is true, the conclusion must be true.
• Sound: Valid logic + true premise = conclusion must be true.
• All assumptions must be examined.
What is an example of a sound argument?
• Premise 1: All birds have feathers.
• Premise 2: A robin is a bird.
• Conclusion: A robin has feathers.
What is an example of a valid but unsound argument?
Premise 1: All fish can fly.
Premise 2: A salmon is a fish.
Conclusion: A salmon can fly.
• Logic is valid, but premise is false, so it is unsound.
Define logic.
Logic is the quality of being justifiable by reason; it involves reasoning conducted or assessed according to strict principles of validity.
What is a logical fallacy?
An error in reasoning that makes an argument invalid, even if the premises are true.
What is the origin of the word “fallacy”?
From Latin:
• fallax = deceptive
• fallere = to deceive
Meaning deception, trickery, or flawed reasoning.
What are two ways fallacies can be committed?
• Mistake: Inadvertent, unintentional, innocent; may be corrected with evidence.
• Intent: Deliberate, uses tricks to rationalize emotionally charged beliefs.
What is the strawman fallacy?
Misrepresenting someone’s argument to make it easier to attack.
What’s a strawman example in massage therapy?
• Original: “Massage can help manage symptoms and promote wellness.”
• Strawman: “You think massage cures all diseases?”
• Why it’s wrong: It exaggerates the claim to attack it unfairly.
What is an ad hominem fallacy?
Attacking a person’s character instead of addressing their argument.
