PHIL 140 Chapter 4: Chapter 4 Notes.pdf
Document Summary
Monotonic argument - an inference or argument where the addition of information cannot overturn an established conclusions. In a non-monotonic argument, additional information an change the reasonableness of the conclusion. Defeasible argument - one whose conclusion can be defeated by additional information; non-monotonic arguments are defeasible. A cogent argument cannot be overturned by the addition of new information. Types of ordinary material inferences (they are all inductive): Motivational inference - an inference to the reasonable motivation for an action you know about. Ex: bill ate a burger he must have been hungry. Ex: martha got into her car she wanted to drive somewhere. Feature inference - an inference grounded in the knowledge that someone or something has a property that is typical of individuals of certain kind but is otherwise rare. Resultative inference - an inference to a result or consequence of a typical kind of action or event. Ex: andy"s diapers are wet andy is a baby.
