A Framework for Coping with Logically-Minded Arguments in Philosophy

Abstract

I argue that a gentler framework for analyzing logically-minded arguments in philosophical discourse may be given by a twofold structure stemming from the arrangement of two different devices. One standard logical device operates at the formal level of premises and conclusion of an argument-text. The second, is able to deal with intensional steps which are normally performed to support background reasoning. In this contribution I aim at developing a simple general account to deal pedagogically with these two-parallel levels, characteristic to my mind, of many philosophical argument-texts that are embedded in logically valid patterns of reasoning.