Final answer:
Truth-conditional semantics are used to create clarity in philosophical thinking, define criteria for when terms can be applied, describe logical relations, and allow for the analysis of a statement's truthfulness by examining correspondence with facts in the world.
Step-by-step explanation:
Truth-conditional semantics are used for several reasons in philosophical thinking and argumentation. They help create clarity by defining the necessary or sufficient conditions for a concept to be considered true. By using truth-conditional semantics, philosophers are able to state the meaning of words and concepts rigorously before using them in arguments. For instance, by defining the term 'innocent' with the conditional statement 'If a person has not committed the crime for which they have been accused, then that person is innocent,' a philosopher is setting clear criteria for when that term can be applied.
Conditionals and universal statements are important in describing the necessary and sufficient conditions for arguments and establishing logical relations. The ability to translate ordinary language statements into these logical forms aids in understanding logical meaning and identifying necessary and sufficient conditions. Additionally, truth-conditional semantics allow for the truth analysis of claims, determining their truthfulness by examining if they correspond to facts within the world. This method counters cynicism regarding objective truth and prevents the acceptance of dogma or relativism.
Ultimately, truth-conditional semantics contribute to a structured and coherent discourse by ensuring propositions are analyzable in terms of their truthfulness, guiding philosophical inquiry, and grounding argumentation in clear and objective terms.