Phil 347 exam Questions and Answers
Reason - -those sentences in an argument that are used to show that the conclusion is true
or probably true
-Claim - -refers to the statement that the maker of the argument is seeking to show is true
or probably true, (the conclusion)
-Argument - -is two or more statements, at least one of which serves as evidence to
support the truth or probable truth of the other
-Two confusions to avoid - -1. An argument is not a quarrel or a disagreement
2. The conclusion is not always at the end
-"Because", and words that mean the same thing as "because" - -Signal reason/premises
-"Therefore", and words that mean the same thing as "therefore" - -Signal conclusion
-Distinguishing reasons from conclusions - -1. What is the conclusion that the speaker is
trying to establish as true?
2. What is the decision that the speaker is trying to explain or justify?
3. What considerations does the speaker present to establish the truth of that claim or the
basis of the decision?
-premise - -A statement in an argument that provides evidence or support the conclusion
-When analyzing or mapping an argument, should I correct obvious mistakes? - -No, you
should not correct obvious mistakes but try to understand the point that was made. We
analyzed the evidence and map out findings.
-When mapping or analyzing an argument, should I consider the context? - -Yes, context is
important because it sets the purpose of the communications and understanding shared in
a conversation with other people.
-When mapping or analyzing an argument, should I reject the argument if reasons and
conclusions are not explicitly stated? - -No, we cannot reject the argument if reasons and
conclusions are not explicitly stated because we can interpret the facts. We interpret so the
reasoning can make sense then restate it for clarity.
-When mapping and analyzing an argument, will every line of reasoning lead to a
conclusion? - -No, every line of reasoning will not lead to a conclusion when a claim
Reason - -those sentences in an argument that are used to show that the conclusion is true
or probably true
-Claim - -refers to the statement that the maker of the argument is seeking to show is true
or probably true, (the conclusion)
-Argument - -is two or more statements, at least one of which serves as evidence to
support the truth or probable truth of the other
-Two confusions to avoid - -1. An argument is not a quarrel or a disagreement
2. The conclusion is not always at the end
-"Because", and words that mean the same thing as "because" - -Signal reason/premises
-"Therefore", and words that mean the same thing as "therefore" - -Signal conclusion
-Distinguishing reasons from conclusions - -1. What is the conclusion that the speaker is
trying to establish as true?
2. What is the decision that the speaker is trying to explain or justify?
3. What considerations does the speaker present to establish the truth of that claim or the
basis of the decision?
-premise - -A statement in an argument that provides evidence or support the conclusion
-When analyzing or mapping an argument, should I correct obvious mistakes? - -No, you
should not correct obvious mistakes but try to understand the point that was made. We
analyzed the evidence and map out findings.
-When mapping or analyzing an argument, should I consider the context? - -Yes, context is
important because it sets the purpose of the communications and understanding shared in
a conversation with other people.
-When mapping or analyzing an argument, should I reject the argument if reasons and
conclusions are not explicitly stated? - -No, we cannot reject the argument if reasons and
conclusions are not explicitly stated because we can interpret the facts. We interpret so the
reasoning can make sense then restate it for clarity.
-When mapping and analyzing an argument, will every line of reasoning lead to a
conclusion? - -No, every line of reasoning will not lead to a conclusion when a claim
