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
Related Adjectives
- 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
-
must + verb (for necessity) Example: “This must be true if the premises are true.”
-
might/may + verb (for possibility) Example: “The conclusion might not follow.”
-
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
- Use precise logical terminology
- Structure arguments clearly
- Practice common philosophical phrases
Remember to use these expressions appropriately in academic discussions and philosophical debates!