The Reason-Giving Game

80-100: Introduction to Philosophy

May 21, 2009

Instructor: Karin Howe

Carnegie Mellon University

The Reason-Giving Game

• Models philosophical inquiry as a reason-giving game

• The players:– A: "the claimant"– B: "the challenger"

Moves in the game

• Claims (two kinds)

• Challenges (two kinds)

• Defendings (two kinds)

• Retractions

• Withdrawals

Two kinds of claims

• Presumptive• Non-presumptive• What's the difference?

– Presumptive claims are claims that can be taken as given, because they are acceptable to both parties given their shared common ground

• What effect does advancing a claim have on the game?

Two kinds of challenges

• Bare

• Assertional

• What's the difference?– An assertional challenge presents grounds for

doubt - reason(s) that count against the claim

• What effect do challenges have on the game?

Two kinds of defendings

• Direct• Indirect• What's the difference?

– Direct defendings directly respond to the challenge by providing supporting reasons for the claim. Indirect defendings respond to a challenge by showing that the challenge is misplaced in some way.

• What sorts of effects can a defending have on the game?

Two final possible moves

• Withdrawals• Retractions• What's the distinction between a withdrawal and a

retraction?– A retraction is a reversal of the commitment to defend

(generally on the part of the claimant). A withdrawal is the reversal of a challenge (generally on the part of the challenger).

• What is the effect of each of these moves on the game?

Exercise

We should postpone the picnic.Move: Non-presumptive claimEffect: Starts the discussion

Why?Move: bare challengeEffect: Provokes a defending, suspends use of the claim

It's going to rain.Move: direct defendingEffect: Presents another (embedded) claim

How do you know?Move: bare challengeEffect: challenges the direct defense; suspends use of that defense

Haven't you seen the weather forecast?Move: indirect defendingEffect: Establishes previous claim as presumptive

No. If you have, though, it's your call.Move: withdrawalEffect: Challenger gives up his/her challenge; allows the original claim to be used.

Now you try!

* Small Group Exercise

The Meno

* Small Group Exercise

Socratic Philosophy

• Socrates or Plato?• Socrates: 469-399 B.C.E.• Plato: 429-347 B.C.E.• Socrates sentenced to death by Athenians for "crimes"

against the state

The Apology

• Account of Socrates' trial

• Apologia– "A defense especially

of one's opinions, position or actions"