Logic Basic Notes

Question 1

What is Logic?

Answer 1

System of reasoning

Question 2

What is a Premise?

Answer 2

Statement to support a conclusion

Question 3

What is a Conclusion?

Answer 3

Statement that stems from the premises to form an argument

Question 4

Define Syllogism.

Answer 4

Form of reasoning in which a conclusion is drawn from two premises/propositions

Question 5

Provide an example of a Syllogism.

Answer 5

All men are mortal. Socrates is a man. Therefore Socrates is mortal.

Question 6

What is a Fallacy?

Answer 6

Statement or an argument based on a false or invalid inference

Question 7

What is Propositional Logic?

Answer 7

A branch of logic dealing with propositions and their relationships

Question 8

Explain Modus Ponens.

Answer 8

If P, then Q; P is true, therefore Q is true

Question 9

Explain Modus Tollens.

Answer 9

If P, then Q; Q is false, therefore P is false

Question 10

What is a Disjunctive Syllogism?

Answer 10

Either P or Q; not P, therefore Q

Question 11

What is an Unsound Argument?

Answer 11

An argument where there are more possibilities than stated in the premises

Question 12

What is a Fallacy of Relevance?

Answer 12

Arguments that distract from the main point

Question 13

Define Ad Fontem arguments.

Answer 13

Arguments that distract by focusing on an opponent rather than the issue

Question 14

What is Ad Hominem?

Answer 14

Argument attacking the opponent rather than the argument

Question 15

What is an example of an Abusive Ad Hominem?

Answer 15

Insults directed at the opponent

Question 16

What is Ad Hominem Circumstantial?

Answer 16

Discrediting an opponent based on their circumstances or affiliations

Question 17

Explain Tu Quoque.

Answer 17

Claiming opposing argument is flawed because the opponent is a hypocrite

Question 18

What is the Genetic Fallacy?

Answer 18

Dismissing an argument based on its origin rather than its validity

Question 19

What are Appeals to Emotion?

Answer 19

Arguments that distract by appealing to emotions

Question 20

Define Ad Baculum.

Answer 20

Argument that instills fear of consequences for disagreement

Question 21

What is Ad Misericordiam?

Answer 21

Argument that evokes pity

Question 22

What is Ad Populum?

Answer 22

Appeals to the audience’s desire to belong to the crowd

Question 23

What is the Appeal to Elitism?

Answer 23

Appeals to the audience’s desire to be part of an elite group

Question 24

Define Ad Verecundiam.

Answer 24

Citing a source that may not be a legitimate authority

Question 25

What is Chronological Snobbery?

Answer 25

Appeal to the idea that old is bad and new is good

Question 26

What are Red Herrings?

Answer 26

Arguments that distract by changing the topic

Question 27

What is the Appeal to Ignorance?

Answer 27

Claiming something is true because it hasn't been proven false

Question 28

What are Irrelevant Goals or Functions?

Answer 28

Measuring an opponent's plan against unintended goals

Question 29

What is the Straw Man Fallacy?

Answer 29

Misrepresenting an opponent's argument to make it easier to attack

Question 30

What are Fallacies of Presumption?

Answer 30

Unwise assumptions about data or the nature of the argument

Question 31

Define Petitio Principii.

Answer 31

Circular reasoning where the conclusion is assumed in the premises

Question 32

What is Bifurcation or False Dilemma?

Answer 32

Presenting two outcomes when more exist

Question 33

What is the Is-Ought Fallacy?

Answer 33

Assuming something is certain because it currently exists that way

Question 34

What is the Division Fallacy?

Answer 34

Assuming individual parts of a whole have similarities to the whole

Question 35

What is the Composition Fallacy?

Answer 35

Assuming the whole will be like its individual parts

Question 36

What are Fallacies of Induction?

Answer 36

Misuse of empirical data in arguments

Question 37

Define Sweeping Generalization.

Answer 37

Applying a generalization to cases that have exceptions

Question 38

What is Hasty Generalization?

Answer 38

Making a generalization based on insufficient examples

Question 39

What is a False Analogy?

Answer 39

Comparing things that are not similar enough

Question 40

Explain Post Hoc Ergo Propter Hoc.

Answer 40

Assuming correlation implies causation

Question 41

What is Fake Precision?

Answer 41

Using an unnecessary amount of numbers to create an illusion of accuracy

Question 42

What are Fallacies of Clarity?

Answer 42

Arguments that fail due to ambiguous phrases

Question 43

What is Equivocation?

Answer 43

Using a key term with multiple meanings to confuse the audience

Question 44

What is a Distinction without a Difference?

Answer 44

Arguments based on a distinction that does not affect the outcome