A named section of OpenStax’s introductory textbook. Compare a reasoned argument with an appeal to authority.
Open the source ↗How to study this source
How do you tell a strong argument from a persuasive one?
Compare a reasoned argument with an appeal to authority.
Ideas and questions
Read background definitions when a term blocks the argument. Then return to the source and reconstruct its claim in your own words.
Read alongside, read against
Introduction to Philosophy: 5.5 Informal Fallacies
Nathan Smith. Compare assumptions, evidence and scope with the source above. These are editorial companions, not necessarily direct responses.
Introduction to Philosophy: 2.2 Overcoming Cognitive Biases and Engaging in Critical Reflection
Nathan Smith. Compare assumptions, evidence and scope with the source above. These are editorial companions, not necessarily direct responses.
Introduction to Philosophy: 2.3 Developing Good Habits of Mind
Nathan Smith. Compare assumptions, evidence and scope with the source above. These are editorial companions, not necessarily direct responses.
Introduction to Philosophy: 2.5 Reading Philosophy
Nathan Smith. Compare assumptions, evidence and scope with the source above. These are editorial companions, not necessarily direct responses.
Introduction to Philosophy: 2.6 Writing Philosophy Papers
Nathan Smith. Compare assumptions, evidence and scope with the source above. These are editorial companions, not necessarily direct responses.