Väliväite

Väliväite is a Finnish term that translates to "intermediate assertion" or "intermediate claim." In logic and argumentation, it refers to a statement that is presented as true within an argument to support a larger conclusion. However, this intermediate assertion itself may not be definitively proven or universally accepted. It acts as a bridge, connecting premises to a conclusion, but its validity is crucial for the overall strength of the argument.

The concept of väliväite is particularly relevant in situations where arguments are complex or involve multiple steps. When an intermediate assertion is flawed, unproven, or based on questionable evidence, it weakens the subsequent claims that rely on it. This can lead to a fallacious argument, even if the final conclusion might appear plausible. Identifying and evaluating väliväitteet is therefore an important skill in critical thinking and analysis.

In practice, a väliväite might be a widely held belief, a statistical correlation that is presented as causation, or an assumption that is not explicitly stated but implied. The effectiveness of a väliväite depends on the context and the audience. What might be an acceptable väliväite in one situation could be unacceptable in another, depending on the level of scrutiny and the standards of evidence required. Analyzing these intermediate claims helps to dissect arguments and understand their underlying structure and potential weaknesses.