Topic 5- Forms of Reasoning

In this topic we shall examine various kinds of arguments that do not fall under any of our current categories. We will also examine various kinds of problems that can arise in argumentation and in the assessment of arguments.

Section 1: The Forms

  • Core Concepts

    • We have encountered validity and invalidity before, but it is important to understand how relate to the forms or structure of arguments and to the notion of a rule of inference.

  • Forms of Argument

    • Here we study a number of quite common argument forms. As we shall see identifying an argument as being of a particular form will frequently involve paraphrasing the argument.

  • Validity and Fallaciousness

    • Here we took note that an argument can be valid but nonetheless problematic in other ways.
    Validity is of course a desirable feature, but as we saw some valid arguments can, for example, be question-begging. Suppose, for example, that you were not persuade that Henri was going to attend a party. You say this to a friend who replies:
         Of course he will be there since both he and Maria will be there.
    His argument is valid, but in this context he would clearly seem to be begging the question.

    Quizzes

    Comprehensive

  • Quiz 1
  • Quiz 2