Glossary

Argument

Using reasons to support a point of view to persuade an audience to agree.

Assertions

Statements made without supporting evidence or justification, which may be true or untrue.

Conclusion (critical thinking)

A deduction drawn from reasons or evidence that leads to an end point.

Internal consistency

When all parts of the line of reasoning contribute to the conclusion.

Goal of deductive arguments

To prove that their conclusions are true, hence the argument is valid.

Fallacies

Flawed argumentation where the logic or validity of an argument is undermined by faulty reasoning.

Inductive arguments

Aim to show that a conclusion is probable or strong, rather than valid.

Inference

Drawing a conclusion based on evidence or previous steps in an argument.

Line of reasoning

The order in which reasons and evidence are presented to establish the argument.

Logical order

Presenting reasons and evidence in a structured way that builds on prior information.

Position (argumentation)

A point of view supported by reasoning.

Predicate (argument)

The foundation or underlying assumption that supports the argument.

Premises

Propositions believed to be true and used as bases for the argument.

Propositions (argumentation)

Statements believed to be true and presented as arguments or reasons for consideration.

Reasons (argument)

Contributing arguments put forward to support the overall argument or line of reasoning.

Rhetorical ploys

Words used persuasively in a way that sounds appealing but does not withstand scrutiny.

Salience

Being relevant to the argument.

Substantive point

The central point or core of the argument being made.

Syllogism

A reasoning process where all steps are explicit, leading to an inevitable conclusion if the premises are accepted.

Tautology

Unnecessary repetition where the same point is made in different words.