Ch. 2: The Basics of Logical Reasoning

what is primary objective #1?

Determine whether the stimulus contains an argument or if it is only a set of facts.

Define Premise

A fact, proposition, or statement from which a conclusion is made.

Objective #4

Read closely and know precisely what the author said. DO NOT generalize.

Define Conclusion

A statement or judgment that follows from one or more reasons.

Premise Indicator Words:

• Because

• since

• for

• for example

• for the reason that

• in that

• given that

• as indicated by

• due to

• owing to

• this can be seen from

• we know this by

Conclusion Indicator Words:

• thus

• therefore

• hence

• consequently

• as a result

• so

• accordingly

• clearly

• must be that

• shows that

• conclude that

• follows that

• for this reason

What is Primary Objective #2

If the stimulus contains an argument, identify the conclusion of the argument. If the stimulus contains a fact, examine each fact.

What do you do if: there is a premise and conclusion word back to back?

it would contain a premise, that will later on be followed up by a conclusion.

what are the additional premise indicators

• furthermore

• moreover

• besides

• in addition

• what’s more

• after all

counter premise indicators

• but

• yet

• however

• on the other hand

• admittedly

• in contrast

• although

• even though

• still

• whereas

• in spite of

• despite

• after all

Primary Objective #3

If the stimulus contains an argument, determine whether the argument is strong or weak.

Define Inference

In logic, and inference is defined as something that must be true.

What do I do if I am asked to define an Inference?

you must find an item that must be true based on the information presented in the argument.

Define Assumption

in logic, it is the same as an unstated premise - what must be true in order for the argument to be true.

what is the difference between an inference and an assumption?

An inference is what follows from an argument, whereas an assumption is what is taken for granted while making an argument.

Quantity Indicators

• all

• every

• most

• many

• some\

• several

• few

• sole

• only

• not all

• none

Probability Indicators

• must

• will

• always

• not always

• probably

• likely

• would

• not necessarily

• could

• rarely

• never