After reading Chapter 6, I found the information on valid and weak forms of arguments using conditionals useful and interesting. There are many arguments where it is impossible for the basis to be true and the conclusion to be false.
-If the train leaves at 2:15 and you show up at 2:25, the train will leave without you.
-The car crashed going over 70 mile per hour and now it is totaled.
Both of these examples are similar because they have valid premises and it proves that there is no way that the conclusion can be false.
Modus Ponens is another way of reasoning. For example:
If the train leaves at 2:15 and you arrive at 2:10, then the train will not leave without you.
-If you do not drive over the speed limit and pay attention to the road, you will not total your car.
These examples are valid and show another way of reasoning.
Using conditionals are very useful because it supports your argument and makes it stronger. There is no way to disprove your conclusion if you have a strong and valid premise.
Great explanation of the topic, I think you gave good evidence and showed that you really got this part of the chapter. I also found it interesting because to me it seems the simplest way of arguing, when the facts are there and the point which is being argued is not over complicated with "what happens if..." It seems very straight forward and provide very strong arguments.
ReplyDeleteIn response to your post that I found quite interesting, was the two examples of conditionals explaining the not making and not making the train on time. Also the example explaining driving the speed limit and not driving the speed limit. The premises are strongly valid and definitely can support the conclusion. I also agree with the statement you made regarding how the premise to be true and the conclusion false. I like the easiness of the topic you were explaining and I found it to be quite useful in a everyday argument. Your very good at introducing a topic to a reader and that is helpful to me as a student of your work.
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