Exam 1: Why Philosophy

The systematic use of critical reasoning to try to find answers to fundamental questions about reality, morality, and knowledge is called __________.

A valid argument must have true premises.

The term philosophy is derived from Greeks words meaning love of __________.

The key to identifying an argument in context is to first determine whether the reasoning is correct.

In philosophy-and in any other kind of rational inquiry-accepting a conclusion (statement) without good reasons is an elementary mistake in reasoning.

__________ is the study of knowledge, including its nature and extent.

For Socrates the good of the soul is attained only through an uncompromising search for __________.

Philosophers provide reasons for thinking their ideas are plausible-that is, they give us __________.

A good argument must have (1) solid logic and (2) __________.

This classic argument "The Bible says that God exists; the Bible is true because God wrote it; therefore, God exists" is an example of begging the question.

An argument is not synonymous with persuasion.

In an argument, the statement being supported is the conclusion, and the statements supporting the conclusion are the __________.

Arguments that are supposed to give probable support to their conclusions are __________.

Consequently, thus, and therefore are examples of conclusion indicator words.

Modus tollens is a valid argument form.

Persuasion does not necessarily involve giving reasons for accepting a claim.

Philosophers refer to beliefs that logically support other beliefs and constitute a framework for an individual's entire belief system as __________ beliefs.

A(n) __________ is an assertion that something is or is not the case and is therefore the kind of utterance that is either true or false.

If inductive arguments succeed in lending probable support to their conclusions, they are said to be __________.

Philosophy is of great theoretical value, but offers nothing in the way of practical benefits.