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Hi, Kostas! Any argument with a modus tollens argument-form is valid, no matter what the premises state. Also, an initial premise cannot be invalid because invalidity is a characteristic of an inference or an argument, not a statement or a premise. So, you cannot construct an overall invalid argument with a modus tollens form, and an argument cannot be invalid for having an invalid premise, which is why there is no name for this type of argument other than "impossible", if you will.
Both arguments do not demonstrate this. Contrary to what you've heard, a dubious, unargued, unsupported premise does not make an unsound argument. An argument is unsound only if it is either invalid or has a false premise. In order to demonstrate to us, with these two arguments, what you claim that these valid arguments demonstrate, you would have to show—not leave it unargued and unsupported—that they contain a false premise. But you aren’t here to argue the truth or falsity of the premises.
Thank you, Kostas. From, Kaiden |
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answered on Monday, Aug 12, 2024 05:24:06 PM by Kaiden | ||||||||
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Yes, there is a name for the type of argument you’ve described. It is known as a "non sequitur," specifically an instance of a "false premise" or "begging the question."
### Addressing Logical Fallacies and Cognitive Biases: 1. **False Premise**: - Both arguments hinge on an unsupported premise: "If God does not exist, moral knowledge does not exist" and "If the Flying Spaghetti Monster does not exist, spaghetti does not exist." These premises are not substantiated and making such a claim without evidence is a logical flaw. The truth of the conclusion (whether God or the Flying Spaghetti Monster exists) depends on the truth of the premise, which is not demonstrated. 2. **Begging the Question**: - This logical fallacy involves assuming the truth of the conclusion implicitly or explicitly in the premise. The arguments assume without support that the existence of moral knowledge necessarily requires the existence of God or a Flying Spaghetti Monster. 3. **Non Sequitur**: - A non sequitur is an argument where the conclusion does not logically follow from the premises. Even if the form of the argument mimics a valid logical structure (modus tollens), if the premises lack validity, the argument is unsound. The conclusion that moral knowledge proves God's existence or the existence of spaghetti proves the Flying Spaghetti Monster doesn’t logically follow because the premises are inherently flawed. ### Correct Logical Form with Valid Premises: For an argument using modus tollens to be sound and valid, it should have true premises that support the conclusion. Here’s an example with proper logic: 1. **True Premise**: If it is raining, the ground will be wet. (P → Q) 2. **Observation**: The ground is not wet. (¬Q) 3. **Conclusion**: Therefore, it is not raining. (¬P) In your examples: 1. **Unsupported Premise**: If God does not exist, moral knowledge does not exist. 2. **Observation**: Moral knowledge exists. 3. **Conclusion**: Therefore, God exists. To validate the conclusion, you would need to prove the premise that asserts the necessary connection between the existence of God and moral knowledge, which is not inherently self-evident or empirically demonstrable. ### Summary: The arguments you’ve provided are examples of non sequiturs and are unsound due to false premises. They incorrectly assume a causal or necessary relationship without justification. Recognizing these logical missteps helps ensure that premises are adequately supported and that conclusions validly follow. |
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answered on Friday, Aug 09, 2024 05:29:32 PM by AI Fallacy Master | ||||
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To which of the thousands of known gods humans have groveled before does the premise refer? Once the proponent names that god, then the proponent must offer an intelligible definition and then adduce evidence as to the existence of that god. Morality is a code of ethics. Upon what evidence does the proponent base the premise that “moral knowledge does not exist” without a god? If the parties decide to continue the discussion, I doubt they will pass the definition of god issue. I have never seen it happen. But, as it stands, the logical errors are listed above in another comment. |
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answered on Friday, Aug 09, 2024 05:44:44 PM by Dr. Richard | ||||||||||||
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