philosophy
Belief Paper example
My Belief Handout
I believe that Jorma Kaukonen is the best guitarist.
I believe this because…
He is really good at guitar.
He started the band Hot Tuna.
He was in the band Jefferson Airplane.
He is widely praised by other musicians.
He helped to write the famous song White Rabbit.
He wrote the song Genesis.
Belief Turned into Argument
1. Jorma Kaukonen has written beautiful songs.
2. He was trained classically.
3. He has been in two critically-acclaimed bands.
Thus, Kaukonen is the best guitarist.
But is my argument deductive or inductive?
The Added Premise Makes My Argument Deductive
1. Anyone who has written beautiful songs, was classically trained, and has been in two critically-acclaimed bands is one of the best guitarists.
2. Jorma Kaukonen has written beautiful songs.
3. He was trained classically.
4. He has been in two critically-acclaimed bands.
Thus, Kaukonen is one of the best guitarists.
My Belief Handout (2nd example)
I believe Trump will be impeached.
I believe this because…
He has attacked judges.
He has attacked other republicans.
He has attacked democrats.
He has not released his tax returns.
He may have financial ties to Russia.
He has made verifiably false claims.
Belief Turned into Argument
1. Trump has attacked members of both parties and other branches of government.
2. His financial situation has not been disclosed to the public.
3. He has made verifiably false claims.
Trump will be impeached.
But is my argument inductive or deductive?
Changing the Wording Makes My Argument Inductive
1. Trump has attacked members of both parties and other branches of government.
2. His financial situation has not been disclosed to the public.
3. He has made verifiably false claims.
Trump will likely be impeached.
Note that I could add an additional premise, but adding “likely” also works.