Overview
This lecture introduces the basics of philosophical reasoning, focusing on how to construct and evaluate deductive arguments.
Philosophical Reasoning Basics
- Philosophical reasoning requires constructing clear, logical arguments rather than just expressing opinions.
- Arguments are sets of statements, one of which (the conclusion) is supported by the others (premises).
Structure of Arguments
- A deductive argument claims that if the premises are true, the conclusion must also be true.
- Sound arguments have true premises and valid logical structure.
- An argument is valid if the conclusion logically follows from the premises, regardless of the actual truth of the premises.
- An argument can be valid but not sound if one or more premises are false.
Evaluating Arguments
- Test deductive arguments for validity (does the conclusion necessarily follow?) and soundness (are all premises true?).
- Invalid arguments have conclusions that do not logically follow from their premises.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Argument — a set of statements where some (premises) support another (the conclusion).
- Premise — a statement in an argument that provides reason or support.
- Conclusion — the claim that an argument’s premises support.
- Deductive Argument — an argument where the conclusion must be true if the premises are true.
- Valid Argument — an argument where the conclusion logically follows from the premises.
- Sound Argument — a valid argument with all true premises.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Practice identifying premises and conclusions in sample arguments.
- Review differences between validity and soundness.
- Prepare to analyze examples of deductive arguments in the next lecture.