PHIL 1620 Lecture Notes - Lecture 1: Ad Hominem, Fallibilism, Counterexample
7 Apr 2016
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Inquiry: the process by which an issue is carefully examined in order to approach or conclude at a reasoned judgement by all individuals in a controversial party. Found in politics, science, everyday life, etc. You must also be thorough, objective, partial. Issue: a challenge, controversy, or difference in perspectives that can act as the pinnacle of inquiry. Reasoned judgement: a judgement where a critical evaluation of relevant information and arguments occurs. Critical evaluation: assessment of arguments and reasons on various sides of an issue: it is at the heart of inquiry. Criteria: specify the relevant considerations that provide the basis for making a judgement. Bias: the tendency to prefer one perspective of an argument uncritically. Fallacy: a common weak argument that poses considerable persuasive power (deceptive, like a mirage). Counter-example: example or instance which acts as an exception to a particular claim. A situation revolving around personal preference does not constitute a case of inquiry.
