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QLDPhilosophy and ReasonQuick questions
Unit 3: Reason and formal logic
Quick questions on Argument reconstruction and mapping: QCE Philosophy and Reason
6short Q&A pairs drawn directly from our worked dot-point answer. For full context and worked exam questions, read the parent dot-point page.
what is the author trying to get me to accept?Show answer
That is the conclusion. Everything offered in support is a premise.
What is standardising the argument?Show answer
To standardise is to rewrite the argument as a numbered list of premises followed by the conclusion, each as a complete declarative statement, stripping rhetoric and repetition:
What is the principle of charity?Show answer
When reconstructing, apply the principle of charity: interpret the argument in its strongest reasonable form rather than the weakest. Supply the most plausible hidden premise, resolve ambiguities in the author's favour where reasonable, and do not invent a weak version to knock down (which would be a straw man). Charity makes your evaluation fair and your criticism harder to dismiss.
What is q1?Show answer
Define an enthymeme and supply the hidden premise in "He is a citizen, so he can vote." [3 marks]
What is q2?Show answer
Distinguish linked from convergent support. [3 marks]
What is q3?Show answer
Explain the principle of charity and why it matters in reconstruction. [3 marks]
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