Philosophy (Critical Thinking) Test 1

Philosophy (Critical Thinking) Test 1 Argument A group of statements in which some of them (the premises) are intended to support another of them (conclusion) Conclusion In an argument, the statement that the premises are intended to support. Critical Thinking The systematic evaluation or formulation of beliefs, or statements, by rational standards. Explanation A statement or statements intended to tell why or how something is the case. Indicator Words Words that frequently accompany arguments and signal that a premise or conclusion is present. Inference The process of reasoning from a premise or premises to a conclusion based on those premises. Logic The study of good reasoning, or inference, and the rules that govern it. Premise In an argument. at statement, or reason, given in support of the conclusion. Statement An assertion that something is or is not the case. Appeal to Common Practice The fallacy of accepting or rejecting a claim based solely on what groups of people generally do or how they behave (when the action or behavior is irrelevant to the truth of the claim). Appeal to Popularity (or to the masses) The fallacy of arguing that a claim must be true merely because a substantial number of people believe it. Peer Pressure Group pressure to accept or reject a claim based solely on what one's peers think or do. Philosophical Skepticism The view that we know much less than we think we do or nothing at all. Philosophical Skeptics Those who embrace philosophical skepticism. Social Relativism The view that truth is relative to societies. Stereotyping Drawing an unwarranted conclusion or generalization about an entire group of people. Subjective Relativism The idea that truth depends on what someone believes. Subjective Fallacy Accepting the notion of subjective relativism or using it to try to support a claim. Worldview A philosophy of life; a set of beliefs and theories that helps us make sense of a wide range of issues in life. Affirming the