5.3 Arguments
3 min read•june 24, 2024
Arguments are the building blocks of philosophical . They consist of premises supporting a , with signaling each component. Analyzing arguments involves identifying these elements and understanding how they relate to each other.
Evaluating arguments requires examining both their logical structure and the truth of their claims. This process involves assessing , , and the relationship between premises and conclusions. skills are essential for effectively analyzing and constructing arguments.
Components and Analysis of Arguments
Elements of an argument
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- Arguments consist of premises and a conclusion
- Premises are statements providing evidence or reasons supporting the conclusion (All men are mortal, Socrates is a man)
- The conclusion is the main claim or assertion the argument aims to prove or establish (Therefore, Socrates is mortal)
- Indicator words help identify premises and conclusions
- indicators signal evidence or reasons (because, since, given that, as, for)
- Conclusion indicators point to the main claim (therefore, thus, hence, so, consequently, in conclusion)
Components in sample arguments
- Identify the argument's conclusion
- Look for the main claim or assertion the argument attempts to prove (The death penalty should be abolished)
- The conclusion is often stated at the beginning or end of the argument
- Identify the premises supporting the conclusion
- Premises provide evidence, reasons, or support for the conclusion (The death penalty is irreversible, The death penalty does not deter crime)
- Each premise should be a separate statement or claim
- Determine how the premises relate to the conclusion
- Premises should logically lead to or support the conclusion (Premise: The death penalty is irreversible, Conclusion: The death penalty should be abolished)
- The conclusion should follow from the premises
Evaluating Arguments
Logical structure vs truth of claims
- Evaluating an argument's logical structure
- Focuses on the form and validity of the argument
- Determines if the conclusion follows logically from the premises
- A valid argument has a structure where, if the premises are true, the conclusion must be true (All A are B, C is A, therefore C is B)
- An invalid argument's conclusion does not necessarily follow from the premises, even if they are true (All dogs are mammals, All cats are mammals, therefore all cats are dogs)
- Assessing the truth of an argument's claims
- Focuses on the content and soundness of the argument
- Determines whether the premises and conclusion are actually true or false
- A sound argument is both valid and has true premises (All men are mortal, Socrates is a man, therefore Socrates is mortal)
- An unsound argument may have a valid structure but contains one or more false premises or a false conclusion (All birds can fly, Penguins are birds, therefore penguins can fly)
- Arguments can be evaluated independently for their logical structure and the truth of their claims
- An argument can be valid but unsound if it has a correct logical structure but contains false premises or a false conclusion (All mammals lay eggs, Platypuses are mammals, therefore platypuses lay eggs)
- An argument can be invalid but sound if it has true premises and a true conclusion but an incorrect logical structure (Socrates is a man, Socrates is mortal, therefore all men are mortal)
Reasoning and Critical Thinking
- is the process of drawing conclusions from premises or evidence
- Reasoning involves using to form judgments or conclusions
- Logic is the systematic study of valid inference and sound
- Argumentation is the practice of constructing and evaluating arguments
- Critical thinking involves analyzing and evaluating arguments to form well-reasoned judgments
Key Terms to Review (14)
Argumentation: Argumentation is the process of making a reasoned case for or against a particular claim or position. It involves the presentation of logical arguments, evidence, and counterarguments to persuade an audience or address a specific issue.
Conclusion: A conclusion is the final part of an argument or piece of writing that summarizes the key points and draws a final judgment or decision based on the evidence presented. It serves to solidify the main ideas and leave a lasting impression on the reader or audience.
Critical Thinking: Critical thinking is the objective analysis and evaluation of an issue in order to form a judgment. It involves the careful examination of information, the consideration of different perspectives, and the ability to draw reasonable conclusions based on evidence. This skill is essential in various contexts, including philosophy, as it allows individuals to think deeply, challenge assumptions, and make well-informed decisions.
Deductive Argument: A deductive argument is a type of logical reasoning where the conclusion necessarily follows from the given premises. The conclusion is derived through a step-by-step logical process, ensuring that if the premises are true, the conclusion must also be true.
Fallacy: A fallacy is a logical error or flaw in reasoning that leads to an invalid or unsound conclusion. It is a deceptive or misleading argument that may seem plausible on the surface but ultimately fails to hold up under closer scrutiny.
Indicator Words: Indicator words are linguistic cues that signal the presence of an argument or reasoning within a piece of text. These words help the reader identify the structure and purpose of the information being presented, allowing them to better understand the author's intended message.
Inductive Argument: An inductive argument is a type of logical argument that draws a conclusion based on premises that provide strong evidence for the conclusion, but do not guarantee its truth. Unlike deductive arguments, inductive arguments do not provide absolute certainty, but rather offer a high degree of probability that the conclusion is correct.
Inference: Inference is the act of deriving a conclusion or making a logical deduction based on available information or evidence. It involves going beyond the immediate, observable facts to reach a plausible explanation or prediction about something that is not directly known.
Logic: Logic is the study of the principles and methods of reasoning, which are used to determine the validity and soundness of arguments. It is a fundamental discipline in philosophy that examines the structure and validity of arguments, as well as the process of drawing conclusions from premises.
Premise: A premise is a statement or assumption that serves as the starting point or foundation for an argument or line of reasoning. It is the basis upon which a conclusion is drawn or a claim is made.
Reasoning: Reasoning is the cognitive process of using logic and evidence to draw conclusions, make decisions, and solve problems. It involves the ability to think critically, analyze information, and form rational judgments.
Soundness: Soundness is a key concept in the evaluation of arguments, referring to the logical validity and truth of the premises and conclusions. It is a crucial consideration in the context of arguments, types of inferences, and informal fallacies.
Syllogism: A syllogism is a type of logical argument that consists of a major premise, a minor premise, and a conclusion. It is a deductive form of reasoning where the conclusion necessarily follows from the two given premises.
Validity: Validity refers to the logical soundness and strength of an argument or inference. It is a measure of how well the conclusion follows from the premises or assumptions in a given logical statement or argument.