PHI1101 Class Notes (Chapter 1)
PHI1101 Class Notes (Chapter 1)
Vincent Bergeron
CHAPTER 1 (ARGUMENTS)
Structure of arguments
I think
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Therefore, I exist
Not everything is an argument, e.g. description of facts like reading the weather report.
Premise indicators: as, as shown by, as we can see from, because, for, insofar as, since
Conclusion indicators: as a result, for these reasons, hence, it follows that, so, therefore,
thus
1
The tricky case of explanations
- Similar structure with a set of claims serving as reasons in support of another claim
- Similar indicator words are used
Explanations: that something is true is taken for granted, and reasons are given to show
why it is true.
e.g., The floor is wet because it was raining and the window was left open
(explanation)
e.g., It’s raining and the window was left open, so the floor will get wet
(argument)
“Either the chauffeur or the butler killed Thickson. But the butler
was in London on the day of the murder. So he didn’t do it. It must
have been the chauffeur.”
2
Arguments in standard form: helps identify arguments
“You shouldn’t drink and drive because the penalties are stiff if you
are caught. Besides, you might cause an accident. And you do have
to drive tonight. So, you shouldn’t have anything to drink tonight.”
1. The penalties are stiff if you are caught drinking and driving. (P)
2. You might cause an accident if you drink and drive. (P)
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3. You shouldn’t drink and drive. (IC: from 1, 2)
4. You have to drive tonight (P).
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5. You shouldn’t have anything to drink tonight. (FC: from 3, 4)
In general, it is better to choose an interpretation of the argument that makes for the
strongest possible argument compatible with what is said. This way you make the best
use of the argument.
Inferences
3
Unstated premises and conclusions
1. Over the past five centuries, the number of independent political entities
in Europe has decreased steadily. During this period, wars became less
frequent, but the wars that did occur were more intense and caused far
more damage.
2. Sam didn’t steal the necklace, so Joe must have done it, because only
those two had the opportunity.
3. If Joe had gone shopping, there would be some food in the fridge, but
there isn’t. So he must not have.
7. One of those three guys must have cleaned up the mess. But it wasn’t
Harry, because he never helps out. And it wasn’t Dick, because he was
busy with other things. So it must have been Tom.
4
Diagramming arguments
5
Exercises (P19)
2. The television is on fire, so I’m sure it’s broken. That means you’ll
have to buy a new one.
9. Sam is a great baseball player, so he can play in the major leagues. But
major league players make lots of money, so it’s pretty clear that Sam can
be rich if he wants to.
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17. Archy didn’t leave the house that day. If he had, the police would have
found his footprints in the snow. But they didn’t find any. And if he
never left home, there’s no way he could have been in town to rob the
convenience store. So he didn’t do it.
If Archy would have left the house the day of the robbery, his the police would
have found his footprints in the snow (P1)
The police didn’t find his footprints in the snow (P2)
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Archy didn’t leave the house that day (IC3)
If he never left home, there’s no way he could have been in town to rob the
convenience store (P4)
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So, he didn’t do it (FC)
16. Mehitabel committed the murder. We know she was at the scene of the
crime, because her fingerprints were found there. Also, she surely had a
motive, as she was having an affair with the victim’s husband.