Introduction to Logic and Argument Structures

Vocabulary flashcards covering foundational concepts in logic, including argument components, standard form, premise and conclusion indicators, and minor conclusions.

Premise

The reason given to support a point or conclusion in an argument.

Conclusion

The main point or assertion that an argument is trying to make.

Premises (Plural)

The plural form of premise, which logic contexts distinguish from the word meaning a physical location or piece of land.

Statement (Declarative Sentence)

A sentence form that makes a claim capable of being either true or false, required for any premise or conclusion.

Standard Form

An argument structure where all premises are listed first in order, and the ultimate conclusion is listed as the very last sentence.

Indicators

A term of art in logic referring to specific words that signal whether a surrounding statement is a premise or a conclusion.

Premise Indicator

A word such as "because", "since", or "for the reason that" that indicates what follows is a premise.

Conclusion Indicator

A word such as "therefore", "so", or "it is concluded that" that indicates what follows is a conclusion.

Interchangeable Test

A test to verify if a word is acting as an indicator by swapping it with another known indicator of the same type (such as replacing "since" with "because"); if the sentence still makes sense, the word is acting as an indicator.

Minor Conclusion

A conclusion derived from initial premises that serves double duty by also acting as a premise to establish a further major conclusion.

Ultimate Conclusion

The final main conclusion in an argument that premises and minor conclusions work together to support.

Extraneous Information

Statements or facts in a passage that do not add value to the argument and can be removed without affecting the logic of the argument.