How to Argue - Philosophical Reasoning: Crash Course Philosophy #2

The Importance of Reason and the Art of Argument in Philosophy.

Aristotle's view of humans as "the rational animal" sets the stage for understanding how rationality distinguishes us from other creatures. While people often exhibit irrationality when defending their opinions, the power of arguments lies in their ability to persuade. Learning to argue properly not only enhances philosophical thinking but also makes us more persuasive individuals in various aspects of life.

Understanding Reason and Arguments:

Plato's concept of the tripartite soul, consisting of the rational, spirited, and appetitive parts, offers insights into how reason functions within the human mind. Plato emphasized that reason should govern over our emotions and desires, highlighting its crucial role in decision-making and guiding our actions. Recognizing the interplay between physical desires, emotional impulses, and rational arguments helps us appreciate the importance of reason in human behavior.

The Anatomy of an Argument: Arguments, as philosophers understand them, are not mere shouting matches but instead rely on solid reasoning and logical structure. Arguments consist of premises, which provide evidence and support for the conclusion. Deductive arguments, characterized by entailment, are one common form of argumentation. In deductive reasoning, if the premises are true, the conclusion must also be true. Validity is the key criterion for deductive arguments, ensuring that the conclusion follows logically from the premises.

The Value and Limitations of Deductive Reasoning: Deductive arguments offer certainty when the premises are true, making them highly valued in philosophical and other disciplines. However, deductive reasoning relies on known, true premises, which can be challenging to establish. Additionally, deductive truths often confirm what is already known rather than leading to new insights. To address these limitations, other forms of argumentation must be explored.

Constructing Sound Arguments: While validity ensures the logical structure of an argument, soundness goes a step further by ensuring the truth of all premises. Sound arguments are those that are both valid and have true premises. Constructing sound arguments involves careful consideration of the truth and credibility of premises, as well as logical coherence.

The Importance of Reasoning Skills: Developing strong reasoning skills allows us to critically evaluate arguments and make well-founded beliefs. By honing our ability to construct and assess arguments, we become more effective communicators and persuaders. Reasoning skills enable us to present our ideas convincingly and engage in thoughtful discussions, fostering intellectual growth and understanding.

Reasoning and the art of argumentation are vital components of philosophy and everyday life. Embracing reason as our guiding force enables us to navigate complex questions and make informed decisions. By constructing sound arguments and critically evaluating ideas, we enhance our ability to understand the world, communicate effectively, and engage in meaningful discourse. Mastering the art of argumentation empowers us to become persuasive individuals who can present compelling cases and contribute to intellectual and societal progress.