Logic, Arguments, and Freedom: An Exploration

Logic and Argumentation

Aristotle and the Science of Logic

The creator of logic as a science was Aristotle.

Sophistry and Fallacies

Sophistry: False arguments

Fallacies: Look real but are falsehoods.

Steps for a Valid Argument

1. An argument needs two declarative sentences to be valid.
2. It must have two premises with a middle ground.
3. The average of the two premises must have the same meaning and extent in both.

Types of Arguments and Propositions

Aristotle identified different types of arguments and propositions:

• A: Universal, Affirmative: All human beings are rational.
• E: Universal, Negative: No talking dog.
• I: Particular, Affirmative: John is an architect.
• O: Particular, Negative: Juan does not laugh.

Conclusion Validity

The conclusion is not valid if at least one of the propositions is not universal. One of the two must be affirmative. If both are negative or particular, the conclusion is always the "worst".

Example

Premises

• People tend to study hard to get good grades.
• Edu is getting good grades.
• Edu studies hard.

Freedom

Outer Freedom

Outer freedom means nobody prevents us from moving and acting the way we want within the limits allowed by the laws of the country.

Inner Freedom

Inner freedom is the freedom to desire one thing or another, to decide on issues affecting us.

Conditions of Freedom

We may not be totally free, but we remain free enough to take responsibility for our actions.

Determinism

Determinism implies a minimum of denying freedom.

One definition of freedom is that the will to act must not have a cause, and if it does not have a cause, then the act would not be free.

Determinism and Freedom

Destiny and Determinism

The Stoics appealed to the doctrine of Heraclitus of Ephesus, according to which everything is explained by a common reason, which is the law governing the universe. The Stoics understood this law as destiny, meaning everything happens according to this doctrine. This leads to the belief that men are helpless against fate.

Theological Predestination

New factors exacerbate the problem of explaining freedom of will.

If God knows everything, then everything is predetermined. If God is the cause of all things, then God is also the cause of human actions.

Freedom of Choice

Defining Freedom of Will

Defining freedom of will is the ability to choose between different possibilities. Man is free because he is forced to choose and justify his capacity as this requires choice. A free will is:

• Not entirely determined by action.
• Not entirely undetermined.
• Supported by good reasons to choose after deliberation.