PHIL 201STUDY GUIDE: LESSON 6Analyzing ArgumentsLesson OverviewIn our final lesson on logic and arguing, we discuss the tasks of constructing and analyzing an argument. Throughout the rest of this course, you will be introduced to a variety of theories that attempt to answer some puzzling philosophical questions. These theories will argue for a particular way to answer the questions, and you will want to be able to evaluate those arguments to see if you agree with them or not. This lesson will give you a tactical approach in how to perform the tasks of analyzing and evaluating arguments as well as how to construct an argumentof your own.TasksView and take notes on the video “Analyzing Arguments.” It aims to orient you to the main issues in the reading.Read and take notes from Chapter 7 of Prelude to Philosophy: “Analyzing Arguments.” As you read, make sure to understand the following points and questions:- Why is clarity important for a good argument? Being clear of what you are defending, thestructure of your reasoning and how the premises lead to the conclusion need to be clearly communicated. Must use appropriate language and define any terms that need clarification. Avoid using clichés, ambiguity, and vagueness. - What is the difference between consistent and coherent?1. Consistent- within a set of beliefs none of them contradict one another. 2. Coherent- the beliefs relate together in a way that is mutually supportive. - What determines how comprehensive an argument needs to be? Good arguments considerall know reasonable alternatives and arguments for aview and can account for them as part of the overall argument. Not every alternative needs to be presented. - What are the 2 basic approaches to structuring an argument? 1. State the conclusion first followed by the premises. 2. State the premises and then follow with a “therefore” type of conclusion.- Explain the idea of fair use of evidence. Good arguments use evidence fairly and avoid suppressing evidence in favor of a particular position do not have the option of being selective toward evidence considered. Philosophy does not allow you to ignore or suppress evidence in hopes that it will disappear.- What is a positive/negative approach and what is the advantage of using it?- What is the advantage of a best explanation approach? The existence of God is the best explanation for the effects we observe.- List and explain the 5 aspects of a best explanation.- What is the principle of simplicity and what is a danger concerning it?- What is the very first task in analyzing an argument?- What are 3 ways to find the conclusion in an argument?- What is the common standard logical order for an argument?Page 1 of 2PHIL 201- Why do we ask about the premises supporting the conclusion before asking about the truthfulness of the premises?- What are the 2 reasons arguments fail?- How does observing language help us to determine the reliability of the premises?- What is meant by examples being representative? What is a counterexample?- Explain the problems of unqualified and conflicting authorities and how to resolve them.- What are some of the traps to watch out for when arguing causally?TermsMake sure you fully understand the following terms and concepts:- Consistency - a consistent theory is one that does not contain a contradiction.- Coherence- There are two distinct types of coherentism. One is the coherence theory of truth; the other, the coherence theory of justification.- Comprehensive- Philosophy is criticaland comprehensive thought, the most critical and comprehensive manner of thinking which the human species has yet devised. This intellectual process includes both an analytic and synthetic mode of operation.- Explanatory Scope- Considers the quality of facts accounted by our explanation- Explanatory Power- when choosing between two views, the one that explains all the facts with the least amount of problems is the best to choose.- Plausible- This has to do with the explanation fitting w/ our background knowledge. - Ad Hoc- The explanation with the least amount of ad hoc details is considered the better one.- Illumination- The doctrine holds that human beings require a special divine assistance in their ordinary cognitive activities.- Occam’s Razor- is a problem-solving principle devised by William of Ockham (c. 1287–1347), who was an English Franciscan friar and scholasticphilosopher and theologian.- Indicator Terms1. Therefore2. So3. It follows that4. Hence5. Thys6. We may infer that7. We may conclude that8. consequently- Inferential Link- Counterexample1. Determine the pattern of the argument2. Make up a new argument where the premises are obviously true but the conclusion is false.- Causal Argument- such an argument attempts to establish that one thing causes another.Page 2 of