PHI 1101 Study Guide - Midterm Guide: Deductive Reasoning, Modus Ponens, Gotland Regiment

• School: University of Ottawa
• Department: Philosophy
• Course: PHI 1101
• Professor: Mark Brown

Document Summary

Common deductive argument types: argument based on math, ex: mark has twice as many cats as susan. Susan has 3 cats; thus, mark has 6 cats: argument from definition, truth of conclusion is guaranteed by definition, ex 1: harold is matilda"s son. Thus, socrates is mortal: sentential (propositional) deductive argument. An argument is intended to provide logically conclusive support or its conclusion. The defining characteristic of a deductive argument is that it is valid or invalid. 1: if whales are mammals, they have lungs. This is a valid argument (true premises + true conclusion) 2: if a dog bites the mailman, it must be punished. It is not the case that alice rode her bike. v. Either alice rode her bike, or john walked. If alice rode her bike, then john walked. Note: the sentence after if is the antecedent and the sentence after then is the consequent.