How to Discuss Analytic Philosophy in English: Vocabulary and Common Expressions


Introduction 🤔

Speaking about philosophy in English can be challenging, especially when discussing complex ideas. Here, I’ll share helpful vocabulary and expressions for talking about analytic philosophy in English!

Basic Expressions 🎯

Key Philosophy Terms

  • argument / premise / conclusion
  • logic / reasoning
  • valid / invalid
  • sound / unsound
  • proposition / statement
  • inference / deduction
  • fallacy / error
  • truth / falsity
  • necessary / contingent
  • Logical / illogical
  • Rational / irrational
  • Coherent / incoherent
  • Valid / invalid
  • True / false
  • Necessary / possible
  • Abstract / concrete
  • Explicit / implicit

Useful Expressions and Examples 💭

When Discussing Arguments

Example 1: “Let’s examine the premises of this argument.”

“That conclusion doesn’t follow from the premises.”

When Analyzing Logic

Example 2: “The argument is valid but unsound.”

“We need to check if this inference is justified.”

When Finding Fallacies

Example 3: “This seems like a circular argument.”

“I think there’s a hidden assumption here.”

Conversation Examples 📚

Philosophy Class Discussion

A: “What do you think about this argument?”

B: “Well, the logic seems valid, but I’m not sure about the first premise.”

A: “Could you explain why?”

B: “I think it makes too strong a claim without proper justification.”

Logic Study Group

A: “How do we know if an argument is valid?”

B: “We need to check if the conclusion follows necessarily from the premises.”

A: “Can you give an example?”

B: “Sure, let’s work through this step by step.”

Grammar Points 📝

Using Modal Verbs in Logic

  1. must + verb (for necessity) Example: “This must be true if the premises are true.”

  2. might/may + verb (for possibility) Example: “The conclusion might not follow.”

  3. cannot/could not + verb (for impossibility) Example: “These statements cannot both be true.”

Common Mistakes ❌

Incorrect: “The argument is right.” Correct: “The argument is valid.”

Incorrect: “I don’t agree with your logic.” Correct: “I don’t accept your premises.”

Situational Phrases 🎓

Expressing Agreement/Disagreement

  • “I follow your reasoning.”
  • “I see your point.”
  • “That doesn’t necessarily follow.”

Asking for Clarification

  • “Could you unpack that idea?”
  • “What exactly do you mean by…?”
  • “How does that follow?”

Discussion Expressions 💡

Starting a Philosophical Discussion

  • “Let’s examine this claim.”
  • “Consider the following argument.”
  • “Suppose we assume that…”

Making Distinctions

  • “We need to distinguish between…”
  • “There’s an important difference here.”
  • “That’s a separate issue.”

Common Phrases 🗣️

Logical Analysis

  • “It follows that…”
  • “Therefore…”
  • “Given that…”

Critical Response

  • “That begs the question”
  • “That’s a non sequitur”
  • “That’s circular reasoning”

Standard Form Expressions 📖

Argument Structure

  • “Premise 1:”
  • “Premise 2:”
  • “Therefore,”
  • “It follows that”
  • “Thus,“

Summary 🎯

Learn these expressions to discuss philosophy more effectively in English!

Key Points to Remember

  1. Use precise logical terminology
  2. Structure arguments clearly
  3. Practice common philosophical phrases

Remember to use these expressions appropriately in academic discussions and philosophical debates!




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