Chapter 2

Explanation Format

"Explanadum" because "Explanans."

Which of the following can correctly be identified as a statement? 2 + 2 = 5. God created the earth in six days. Jesus said: Is life not more than food, and the body more than clothing? Go defense! New Hampshire license plate: Live free or die.

2 + 2 = 5. God created the earth in six days. Jesus said: Is life not more than food, and the body more than clothing?

The Author's Intent Test

Ask if the person making the statement is trying to "prove" something or explain why something is true.

Statement Test

Does it make sense to put "it is true that" or "it is false that" in front of it? If so, it is a statement. If not, it's not.

True or False: All sentences are statements.

False

The Past-Event Test

If it points at a past event, it is probably an explanation.

The Common-Knowledge Test

If it points at something that is common knowledge, it is probably an explanation.

The Principle of Charity Test

If you have a choice between interpreting a statement as a "bad argument" or an "unsatisfactory explanation," do the latter. A bad argument is a worse mistake.

Conditional "if-then" Statements

Most common forms: If A then B; B if A. But conditionals don't always have "if" or "then"

True or False: A person is guilty of practical inconsistency when he or she is hypocritical or fails to practice what he or she preaches.

True

True or False: A statement is a sentence that can be viewed as true or false.

True

True or False: An ought imperative is a sentence that has the form of an imperative or command but is intended to assert a value or ought judgment.

True

True or False: Conditional statements are "if-then" statements.

True

True or False: Unwarranted assumptions are things we take for granted without good reason.

True

Consequent

Usually, the part that follows "then"

Ought Imperative

a sentence that has the form of a command but is a statement about what ought to be done.

Rhetorical Question

a sentence that has the grammatical form of a question but is meant to be understood as a statement.

Statement

a sentence/utterance that can be viewed as either true or false.

Relativism: makes it impossible for us to correctly criticize other cultures' customs and values makes it impossible for us to correctly criticize our own societies' customs and values can lead to conflicting moral duties all of the above

all of the above

Uncritical Thinkers tend to: be close-minded and resist criticisms of beliefs and assumptions think illogically and draw unsupported conclusions from evidence and data base beliefs on mere personal preference or self-interest all of the above

all of the above

"Although a few cities, notably New York and Philadelphia are indeed having trouble finding nearby landfills, there is no national shortage of landfills. Thus, lack of space for disposing of waste is not a rationale for recycling." (Chris Hendrickson and Francis McMichael, "Time to Dump Recycling?") is an example of: an argument an explanation both an argument and an explanation neither an argument nor an explanation

an argument

"If you admit the supernatural into your calculations, anything goes. That is why a supernatural explanation is useless to a scientist, however pious he may be on Sundays. It provides no direction for research, suggests no testable hypotheses, and gives no reason to expect one result rather than another from any observation or experiment." (David Shotwell, "From the Anthropic Principle to the Supernatural") is an example of: an argument an explanation both an argument and an explanation neigher an argument nor an explanation

an argument

"You should vote for the Independent candidate, because she will keep the economy strong." is an example of: an argument an explanation both an argument and an explanation neigher an argument nor an explanation

an argument

The United States is a very special place. It will stop being special if we take it for granted. Every generation must renew its commitment to our basic beliefs. That's why you must follow the election news on TV and in newspapers." (Robert J. Samuelson, "Pay Attention, Kids," Washington Post) is an example of: an argument an explanation both an argument and an explanation neither an argument nor an explanation

an argument

"The concert was cancelled due to inclement weather conditions." is an example of: an argument an explanation both an argument and an explanation Neither an argument nor an explanation

an explanation

"Thought: Why does man kill? He kills for food. And not only food: frequently there must be a beverage." (Woody Allen, Without Feathers) is an example of: an argument an explanation a premise neither an argument nor an explanation

an explanation

We hear the crack of a bullwhip because its tip is moving faster than the speed of sound, creating a shock wave, a small sonic boom." (Carl Sagan, Cosmos) is an example of: an argument an explanation both an argument and an explanation neither an argument nor an explanation

an explanation

"Affirmative action is wrong, because it is unfair" is an example of: a report an explanation an unsupported statement of belief or opinion an argument

an unsupported statement of belief or opinion

Illustrations

examples of a claim.

Argument

group of statements, one or more of which is/are intended to prove or support another statement.

"If the Yankees win the pennant, the first playoff game will be in New York." is an example of: an argument an explanation both an argument and an explanation neither an argument nor an explanation

neither an argument nor an explanation

"The mountains from their heights reveal to us two truths. They suddenly make us feel our insignificance, and at the same time they free the immortal mind, and let it feel its greatness." (Hilaire Belloc, The Path to Rome) is an example of: an argument an explanation both an argument and an explanation neither an argument nor an explanation

neither an argument nor an explanation

Statements in an argument offered as evidence or reasons in support of another statement are called: justifying reasons explanatory reasons premises conclusions

premises

Statements that are intended simply to convey information about a subject are called: narrations informative statements reports descriptions

reports

Premise Indicators

since, for, seeing that, inasmuch as, in view of the fact that, because, as, given that

Premises

statements in an argument offered as evidence or reasons why one should accept another statement.

Reports

statements made to convey information.

Explanans

the explanation the cause.

Conclusion

the statement that the premises support/prove.

Conclusion Indicators

therefore, hence, so, it follows that, wherefore, thus, consequently.

Explanation

tries to show why something is the case, not argue that it is the case.

Antecedent

usually, the part that directly follows "if."

Explanadum

what is explained, the event.

Unsupported Assumptions

when someone puts forth what they believe but does not intend for any of their statements to support another.