Lecture Notes: Argument Structure and Evaluation

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms related to argument structure, evaluation, and reasoning from the notes.

Arson

The intentional act of starting a fire; presented as a possible cause for the forest fire in the notes.

Lightning

A natural cause for fires; presented as the alternative to arson in the notes.

Conclusion

The main claim an argument aims to establish; in the notes, the forest fire being caused by arson is the conclusion.

Premise

A statement that provides support for the conclusion within an argument.

Supporting claim

A statement that provides evidence or reasoning to back up the conclusion; often labeled as a premise.

Standard form

A structured way of presenting an argument with clearly labeled premises leading to a conclusion.

Persuasive argument

An argument designed to convince an audience, which may not be logically sound.

Sound argument

A valid argument with true premises; its conclusion must be true if the premises are true.

Does it follow? (logical validity)

A test of whether the conclusion logically follows from the premises.

Is it true? (premise truth)

Assessing whether the premises of an argument are true.

Could this convince someone?

Assessing the argument's persuasiveness or ability to change someone’s mind.