Overall Flashcards
(29 cards)
What is a deductive argument?
Offer logically conclusive support for their conclusions.
The standard is validity (Not in degrees, but only valid or invalid)
If premises are true, the conclusion must be true (valid or invalid)
What is an inductive argument?
Provide probable support for their conclusions
The standard is strength
Premises make the conclusion probably true (strong or weak)
If it succeeds in providing probable support, it is said to be strong
What does it mean that an argument is sound?
A valid deductive argument with true premises
What does it mean that an argument is cogent?
A strong inductive argument with true premises
Realism
The belief that an objective reality exists independently of our thoughts, perceptions, or theories
Empericism
Knowledge comes primarily from the senses
John Locke, George Berkeley, David Hume
Ideas
Thoughts
Impression
Senses (perception)
Positivism
August Comte, logical positivists
Science should be based only on observable, verifiable facts
Commonsense view of science
Science is based on what facts (see, hear and touch) rather than on personal opinions
Problems with common sense view
- Facts are not purely objective: what we observe is influenced by prior knowledge and experiences
- Observation is not straight forward: two people can see the same thing but interpret it differently
- Facts do not exist independently of theory: what we consider a “fact” often depends on the scientific concepts and frameworks we use
Galileo and the Leaning Tower of Pisa
Galileo challenged the belief (from Aristotle) that heavier objects fall faster than lighter ones
By experimenting and observing, he showed that objects fall at the same rate regardless of weight
Chalmers
Challenges the assumption that scientific facts are clear and directly obtained from experience
Observation statements
Descriptions of what is perceived, based on sensory experience and shaped by prior knowledge and concepts
Modified view of science
Observation is influenced by prior knowledge, but still useful for science.
Meaningful observations require the right conceps
Conclusion
Supported statement
Premises
Statements supporting the conclusion
The divisions of philosophy
1) Metaphysics = study of reality
2) Axiology = study of value
3) Epistemology = study of knowledge
4) Logic = study of correct reasoning
What is an argument?
A connected series of statements (premises) that are intended to give reasons for believing another statement (conclusion)
What are the two main purposes of arguments?
Justification and explanation
Premise markers
since, because, for, at, given that etc.
Conclusion markers
therefore, hence, thus, accordingly etc.
What is the problem of skeptical regress?
No argument is ever complete. We merely stop asking for justification
Avoid the skeptical regress
Rely on shared assumption
Assuring: Assuring the audience that good reasons exist without saying what they are
Guarding: Reducing/weaken the claim making it more difficult to attack
Discounting: Cites possible criticism to then counter it with an argument or simply reject it
