chapter 3: evaluating moral arguments

Example of a deductive argument: -why are they deductive?

-All men are mortal -Socrates is a man -Therefore, Socrates is mortal The conclusion is unshakable in the end, which makes it valid with the conclusive support

Examples of Arguments: -state 3

Argument 1: Capital punishment is morally permissible because it helps to deter crime Argument 2: If John killed Bill in self-defense, he did not commit murder. He did act in self-defense. Therefore, he did not commit murder. Argument 3: Telling a white lie is morally permissible. We should judge the rightness of an act by its impact on human well-being. If an act increases human well-being, then it is right. Without question, telling a white lie increases human well-being because it spares people's feelings; that's what white lies are for.

What are the two basic types of arguments? -and what do they argue?

Deductive arguments are supposed to give logically conclusive support to their conclusions. Inductive arguments are supposed to offer only probable support for their conclusions.

What are indicator words?

Terms that often appear in arguments and signal that a premise or conclusion may be nearby

What is the definition premises?

The reasons presented to persuade someone that a conclusion is true or probably true.

What makes and inductive argument *strong* or *weak*?

When an inductive argument is *strong*, it manages to actually give probable support to the conclusion. When an inductive argument is *weak*, it does not have probable support to the conclusion.

When will there be an argument?

When at least one statement attempts to provide reasons for believing another statement

What makes an argument invalid?

When the deductive argument does not offer conclusive support for the conclusion

What makes a valid argument be sound?

When there are true premises

statement (or claim) -definition -example

an assertion that something is or is not the case; it is either true or false Examples: -I feel tired and listless -murder is wrong -2 + 2 = 4

critical reasoning -defintion -what is the goal?

careful, systematic evaluation of statements or claims -the ultimate aim is to figure out whether to accept or believe a statement

What is known as the statement being supported?

conclusion

What is a valid argument?

if the premises are true, then the conclusion must be true

What is known as the supporting statements in an argument?

premises