Analysing Arguments

Question 1

Define rhetoric

Answer 1

Deals with how persuasive an argument is and whether or not it can sway an audience

Question 2

Define logic

Answer 2

It is where arguments are assessed with regard to their soundness, it is compelling irrespective of the audience

Question 3

Define a proposition

Answer 3

• A statement that can be true or false

- It is the content/logical essence of a statement

Question 4

What are the two kinds of propositions

Answer 4

Analytic and synthetic

Question 5

Define analytic

Answer 5

• It is proposition that is true by definition

- Gives you information about the definition of the world

Question 6

Define synthetic

Answer 6

• Requires empirical evidence

- Gives you information about the world

Question 7

What do the premises of an argument do?

Answer 7

• They support/provide reason to believe the conclusion

- You can infer the conclusion from the premises

Question 8

What is the difference between an argument and an explanation?

Answer 8

An argument provides reasons for believing something and an explanation tells you why such and such is the case

Question 9

Define validity

Answer 9

• The conclusion follows from the premises, whether or not the premises are true
• Concerns the relationship between the propositions, rather than the individual propositions themselves

Question 10

Define soundness

Answer 10

• If it is valid and the premises are true and by consequence the conclusion, then it is sound
• If an argument is not valid then it cannot be sound

Question 11

Define cogency

Answer 11

• An argument can be sound yet fail to persuade because the premises aren’t evidently true
• It is relevant to the audience

Question 12

Define a necessary condition

Answer 12

A condition that is needed for something to be true

Question 13

Define a sufficient condition

Answer 13

Something is enough for the outcome to occur, the truth of P guarantees the truth of Q