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Questions tagged [argumentation]

The construction, deconstruction and presentation of arguments for a position;

8 votes
11 answers
4k views

What is the logical distinction between “the same” and “equal to?”

We all understand that Given A = C, and B = C, Then A = B. However, A is not “the same as” B. Example: A is the question, “What animals have feathers and can fly?” B is the question, “What was the ...
Vogon Poet's user avatar
8 votes
5 answers
2k views

What are some arguments for the golden ratio making things more aesthetically pleasing?

What are some (not necessarily good) arguments that painters, architects, designers, musicians, etc. basing their work on the golden ratio φ makes their work more aesthetically pleasing? I think these ...
Michael Smith's user avatar
8 votes
5 answers
4k views

What does Dawkins suggest is the main flaw in these three arguments from Aquinas?

Source: p 100-101, The God Delusion, By Richard Dawkins 1. The Unmoved Mover. Nothing moves without a prior mover. This leads us to an infinite regress, from which the only escape is God. ...
user avatar
7 votes
7 answers
3k views

What are philosophical arguments for the position that Intelligent Design is nothing but "Creationism in disguise"?

I would like to start this question quoting one of the comments to this answer to the question Does Intelligent Design (ID) entail an infinite regress of designers, and if so, is that problematic?. ...
user avatar
6 votes
2 answers
3k views

How does one differentiate epistemological and ontological claims?

I'm taking an introductory philosophy course and I find it fascinating. I can't really figure out an assignment though because I'm a bit foggy on what the difference between ontological and ...
Annie's user avatar
  • 61
6 votes
1 answer
9k views

The difference between argument, inference, deduction and proof?

I am trying to distinguish argument, inference, deduction and proof. First, let's look at the distinction between argument and inference (if there is one). This online source states: An argument ...
EthanAlvaree's user avatar
6 votes
3 answers
308 views

How have philosophers tried to argue for qualia?

What is the difference between the intuition that there is something it is like, qualitative experience, and faith in it? Is it possible to convince someone who doesn't believe there is something it ...
user avatar
5 votes
5 answers
12k views

Why is argument by analogy invalid?

There is a well known fallacy called the "argument by analogy" fallacy. As I understand it, the fallacy occurs in a situation where someone makes a reasonable comparison between two situations and ...
abnry's user avatar
  • 396
5 votes
3 answers
390 views

Which fallacy: Thinking everything someone does in a discussion that's wrong is a fallacy?

There are a lot of questions about which fallacy something is on this site. Many times, the argument in the question is not actually a fallacy, but something that the questioner doesn't like/agree ...
Josef's user avatar
  • 152
5 votes
3 answers
3k views

Is it possible to appeal to emotion without commiting a fallacy?

People often make arguments from authority, and not all of them are fallacious. If the given authority is an expert on the discussed field, if there is a consensus among the experts of that field, and ...
Alexandre Pinho's user avatar
5 votes
6 answers
657 views

What constitutes evidence in philosophy?

I have noticed an apparent confusion when posing and answering questions as to what constitutes evidence in philosophy. Especially in scientifically-related areas, I often cite scientific evidence ...
Meanach's user avatar
  • 2,341
4 votes
3 answers
665 views

Why is Diogenes the Cynic's solution to Zeno's Dichotomy Paradox insufficient?

According to Wikipedia's discussion of Zeno's Dichotomy paradox (emphasis mine), According to Simplicius, Diogenes the Cynic said nothing upon hearing Zeno's arguments, but stood up and walked, in ...
Robert Columbia's user avatar
4 votes
1 answer
904 views

An Argument against Descartes's radical doubt

Reflecting on Descartes's evil genius, I came up with an argument to use against his radical skepticism, that is, when he doubts even the basic laws of logic and basic mathematics (3 + 2 = 5). The ...
Zeruel017's user avatar
4 votes
2 answers
880 views

What is the difference between the Narrative Fallacy and the Post-hoc Rationalization?

Or are they the same thing? Personally I fail to see the difference between these two, but I want to be sure. EDIT Narrative fallacy "Metaphors and stories are far more potent (alas) than ideas; ...
KarmaPeasant's user avatar
4 votes
2 answers
451 views

Information paradox: the more we know, the less confident we are

I've been studying critical thinking and come across what looks like a paradox. Let's say we have the following argument: P1) If a person is A, then it's likely that that person is also B. P2) This ...
Vlad's user avatar
  • 53

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