Basics of Arguments (weeks 1,2)

What is an argument?

A group of statements where some premises support another statement (Conclusion).

What is a premise

A reason given to support a conclusion

What is a conclusion

The main point the author wants you to accept

What is a statement/claim?

A sentence that can be true or false

Are questions, commands, or exclamations statements?

No, they cannot be true or false

Name 3 common premise indicators

1. Because

2. Since

3. Given that

Name 3 common conclusion indicators

1. Therefore

2. Thus

3. Hence

What is an explanation?

A description of why something happened, not an attempt to prove it.

What is the biggest difference between an argument and an explanation?

An argument tries to convince while an explanation tries to clarify

Name 4 tests that helps distinguish arguments from explanations

1. Common knowledge test

2. Past-event test

3. Author’s intent test

4. Principle of Charity

What does the “+” symbol mean in an argument diagram?

Two or more premises work together

What does an arrow mean in a diagram?

“This supports” → it points to the conclusion

What makes an argument deductive?

If the premises are true, the conclusion MUST be true.

What is a valid argument?

A deductive argument where the conclusion logically follows.

What is a sound Argument

Valid + all premises are true

What makes an argument non-deductive?

The conclusion is probable, not guaranteed.

What do we call a strong vs weak non-deductive arguments

Strong = conclusion likely

Weak = conclusion unlikely

What are the 4 criteria’s for evaluating arguments?

1. Are the premises true?

2. Is the conclusion probably or logically required?

3. Are the premises relevant?

4. Does new evidence weaken the conclusion?