Philosophy 1200 Lecture Notes - Lecture 22: Green Cheese, Deductive Reasoning, Formal Methods
6 Aug 2020
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We now begin looking at specific techniques for determining adequacy. Deductive arguments can be studied by the formal methods of logic. They are the most powerful kind of argument because the structure assures relevance and adequacy. If the premises of a deductive argument are true, so is the conclusion; therefore, being able to identify deductive arguments can save considerable effort. (149) she will order coffee or scotch with her lunch. She won"t order scotch, so she will order coffee. (150) she usually has a salad at lunch so likely she will have a salad today. The first example (149) has more logical strength the second (150). In (149) if the premises are true the conclusion must be true. In (150) the premise gives us good reason to accept the conclusion but it is fallible. The premise could be true and the conclusion false.
