Philosophy Chapter 1
Modus Ponens
If P then Q P Therefore Q
Conclusion
In an argument, the statement being supported
critical thinking
thinking that does not blindly accept arguments and conclusions. Rather, it examines assumptions, discerns hidden values, evaluates evidence, and assesses conclusions.
Epistemology
study of knowledge
Thrasymachus
Justice is the advantage of the stronger
Division
The fallacy of arguing erroneously that what can be said of the whole can be said of the parts
Genetic Fallacy
The fallacy of arguing that a claim is true or false solely because of its origin.
appeal to the person
The fallacy of rejecting a statement on the grounds that it comes from a particular person, not because the statement, or claim, itself is false or dubious.
Begging the question
The fallacy of trying to prove a conclusion by using that very same conclusion as support
fallacy
A common but bad argument
Equivocation
A fallacy of assigning two different meanings to the same significant word in an argument
Argument
A statement coupled with other statements that are meant to support that statement
reductio ad absurdum
An argument of this form: If you assume that a set of statements is true, and yet you can deduce a false or absurd statement from it, then the original set of statements as a whole must be false.
Statement
An assertion that something is or is not the case and is therefore the kind of utterance that is either true or false/ Also called a claim.
Premise
In an argument, a statement, or reason, given in support of the conclusion.
Slippery Slope
The fallacy of arguing erroneously that a particular action should not be taken because it will lead inevitably to other actions resulting in some dire outcome
False dilemma
The fallacy of arguing erroneously that since there are only two alternatives to choose from, and one of them is unacceptable, the other one must be true.
composition
The fallacy of arguing erroneously that what can be said of the parts can also be said of the whole
Appeal to Popularity
The fallacy of arguing that a claim must be true not because it is backed by good reasons, but simply because many people believe it.
Appeal to Ignorance
The fallacy of arguing that either (1) a claim is true because it hasn't been proven false or (2) a claim is false because it hasn't been proven true
Strawman
The fallacy of misrepresenting a person's view so they can be more easily attacked or dismissed
ampliative
The predicate term adds to or amplifies the meaning of the subject term
Ethics
The study of morality using the methods of philosophy
Metaphysics
The study of reality, an inquiry into the fundamental nature of the universe and the things in it
Axiology
The study of value, including both aesthetic value and moral value.
Oracle of Delphi
Person representing the god Apollo; allegedly received cryptic messages from the god that had predictive value if the seeker could correctly interpret the communication
Socratic Method
Question-and-answer dialogue in which propositions are methodically scrutinized to uncover the truth
Logic
the study of correct reasoning
Valid
founded on fact or evidence
Invalid
not good enough; not correct
Equivocation
When a writer uses the same term in two different senses in an argument.
implicit premise
a premise that is assumed by an argument but is not stated
Aristophanes
an ancient Greek dramatist remembered for his comedies (448-380 BC)
inductive argument
an argument intended to give probable support to its conclusion
deductive argument
an argument that is supposed to give logically conclusive support to its conclusion
Premise
an assumption; the basis for a conclusion
Socratic Paradox
"The only thing I know is that I know nothing at all"
Walter Kaufmann
(1921-1980) "Philosophy means liberation from the two dimensions of routine, soaring above the well known, seeing it in a new perspectives, arousing wonder and the wish to fly."
Plato
(430-347 BCE) Was a disciple of Socrates whose cornerstone of thought was his theory of Forms, in which there was another world of perfection.
Socrates
(470-399 BCE) An Athenian philosopher who thought that human beings could lead honest lives and that honor was far more important than wealth, fame, or other superficial attributes.
Hypatia
AD300 and 400s, a women who taught mathematics and astronomy
Xenophon
An ancient Greek philosopher, historian, soldier and mercenary, and a student of Socrates.
Clarence Darrow
Defended John Scopes during the Scopes Trial. He argued that evolution should be taught in schools.
Epicurus
Greek philosopher who believed that the world is a random combination of atoms and that pleasure is the highest good (341-270 BC)
Sophists
Greek teachers of philosophy, reasoning, and public speaking