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Tables of Contents for Basics of Reasoning
Chapter/Section Title
Page #
Page Count
Preface
vi
Orientation
viii
Basic Assumptions
viii
Recognizing Arguments
1
8
What Is an Argument?
1
1
Three General Considerations
2
1
Recognizing Arguments
3
3
Multiple Conclusions and Complex Arguments
6
3
Analyzing Arguments
9
10
Showing the Structure of Arguments
9
3
Strategies of Analysis
12
3
Two Special Problems
15
1
Analyzing a Complex Argument: An Example
16
3
Evaluating Arguments
19
15
Deductive Arguments
19
4
Nondeductive Arguments
23
6
Complex Arguments
29
3
Overall Argument Evaluation
32
2
Some Valid Argument Forms
34
15
Sentential Form
34
3
Valid Argument Forms
37
3
Two Invalid Argument Forms
40
1
Showing the Validity of Complex Arguments
41
2
Conditionals
43
1
Equivalent Forms
44
3
Using Inference and Equivalence Rules
47
2
Causal Analysis
49
15
Basic Causal Relationships
49
4
Designating Factors as Causes
53
2
Causal Explanations
55
2
Testing Causal Claims
57
7
Argument by Analogy and Models
64
8
Analogical Arguments
64
3
Models
67
1
Evaluating Analogical Reasoning
68
4
Errors in Reasoning: Fallacies
72
14
Fallacies in Supporting a Claim
72
9
Fallacies of Criticism and Response
81
5
Definition
86
9
Definition of Definition
86
1
Two Types of Definition
86
3
Methods of Definition
89
3
Standards of Definition
92
3
Vagueness and Ambiguity
95
9
Vagueness
95
5
Ambiguity
100
4
Reasonable Beliefs
104
11
Granted Claims and Accepted Beliefs
104
8
New Claims, Background Beliefs, and Rationality
112
3
Exercises
115
19
Exercises: Some Answers, Hints, and Comments
134
13
Index
147