Understanding Arguments: Premises and Conclusions

Understanding Arguments

• Definition of an Argument

  • An argument is not:
  • A shouting match
  • A fight
  • Merely disagreeing with someone
  • True Definition:
  • An argument is an attempt to justify a truth claim.

• Structure of an Argument

  • An argument consists of a set of statements.
  • At least one statement is performed in support of at least one other statement.
  • Statements are connected in how they provide support for another statement.

Premises and Conclusions

• Supporting Statements (Premises)

  • Premises are the statements that provide support.
  • In the example discussed, there is a single premise:
  • Premise Example: "You are engaging with this lecture."
  • Identification: Premises may be found using signal words. Examples include:
  • Since
  • Because
  • Given
  • Given that
  • Note: Signal words are not always present.
  • Example 1 includes the word "since".
  • Example 2 does not utilize a signal word.

• Supported Statement (Conclusion)

  • The conclusion is the statement that is being supported.
  • In the example discussed, the conclusion is:
  • Conclusion Example: "You are enrolled in the unit human behavior."
  • Identification: Conclusions may also have signal words that indicate they are conclusions. These include:
  • Thus
  • Therefore
  • Hence
  • In the second argument presented, "therefore" acts as the signal indicating the conclusion is forthcoming.
  • Similar to premises, signal words for conclusions do not have to be present.

Key Definitions

• Premise:
  • A premise is a proposition upon which an argument is based or from which a conclusion is drawn.
  • Put in simpler terms:
  • A premise includes the reasons and evidence behind a conclusion.