Overview
This lecture reviews the basics of argument analysis, introduces argument form, presents common valid argument forms, and applies these concepts to several example arguments.
Review of Argument Analysis
- Identify the argument by determining the conclusion and premises, using indicator words.
- Check for clarity—ensure you understand what is being claimed and supported.
- Test validity: if the premises are true, must the conclusion also be true? Validity is about form, not content.
- Assess the truth of each premise individually.
- Determine if the argument is sound: all premises are true and the argument is valid.
Argument Form and Standard Form
- Arguments in philosophy are often presented in standard form: premises numbered, conclusion listed last, sometimes marked with a "C."
- Argument form helps clarify reasoning and makes analysis systematic.
- Recognizing valid forms can quickly identify valid arguments regardless of content.
Common Valid Argument Forms
- Common valid forms are given in symbolic notation (e.g., "If P then Q; P; therefore Q").
- Recognizing these forms allows for quick validity judgments.
Practice: Analyzing Example Arguments
- Chess example: argument is clear, valid (moduses ponens), and sound if both premises are true.
- Bowling Green/Ohio example: argument is clear but invalid (denying the antecedent); therefore, unsound.
- Bank/University example: valid form (all X are Y; B is X; therefore B is Y) but unsound due to a false premise.
- Affirmative action example: argument is clear but invalid; premises do not connect tightly enough to the conclusion; unsound even if premises are assumed true.
Recap and Importance of Argument Skills
- Effective argument analysis involves clarity, validity, checking premises, and soundness.
- Logical analysis helps in reading, writing, thinking, and communication across contexts.
- Practice with real arguments in fields like environmental ethics builds skill.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Argument — a group of statements where some (premises) support another (conclusion).
- Premise — a statement used as evidence for a conclusion.
- Conclusion — the main statement the argument tries to establish.
- Validity — if premises are true, the conclusion must be true; concerned with argument form.
- Soundness — an argument that is valid and has all true premises.
- Argument Form (Standard Form) — listing premises and conclusion in a clear, numbered structure.
- Conditional Statement — an "if-then" statement used in arguments.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review standard argument forms and practice identifying them.
- Read upcoming materials on environmental ethics.
- Practice analyzing arguments for clarity, validity, and soundness.
- Ask questions, reread, and discuss challenging arguments with others.