Analyzing Arguments - Unit 3
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Questions and Answers

What is the primary role of premises in an argument?

  • To introduce excess verbiage.
  • To affirm the conclusion based on certain statements. (correct)
  • To question the validity of the argument.
  • To provide indicators for conclusions.

Which of the following is a conclusion indicator?

  • Owing to
  • Thus (correct)
  • Since
  • Because

What should be done with implicit premises in an argument?

  • They should be eliminated as excess verbiage.
  • They should be treated as final conclusions.
  • They should be ignored.
  • They should be made explicit in a charitable manner. (correct)

Which of the following is NOT a type of excess verbiage?

<p>Premises (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of premise indicators?

<p>To indicate statements that support a conclusion. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In what context might rhetorical questions function in an argument?

<p>As statements that disguise actual premises. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a discount in the context of excess verbiage?

<p>An acknowledgment that weakens the argument. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which word is used to typically introduce a conclusion?

<p>Therefore (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which phrase should be ignored as a discount in an argument?

<p>Despite the fact that (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of repetition in an argument?

<p>Logic improves attention span; in other words, it nurtures patience. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What purpose do assurances serve in an argument?

<p>To demonstrate confidence (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following phrases is an example of a hedge?

<p>It seems that (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context of assurance, which phrase implies strong confidence?

<p>Obviously (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of statement should be ignored as it does not contribute to the argument's strength?

<p>A tentative statement (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What kind of language is a sign of assurance in argumentation?

<p>Confident phrases (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of these statements best exemplifies assurance?

<p>The truth is that Sarah studied hard. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What trend in Jamaica's economy was reported during the third quarter of 2009?

<p>A decline of 2.3% compared to the same quarter in 2008 (A), A 0.7% growth in overall economy (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of illustrations in a text?

<p>To exemplify the author's claims without proving them (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a distinguishing feature of a Well-Crafted Argument?

<p>It clearly identifies the premises and the conclusion (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement represents a conditional statement?

<p>If Jamaica invests in education, then teachers will be prioritized. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What has been a major challenge for Jamaica, as mentioned in the content?

<p>A persistent fiscal deficit (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why should capital punishment be abolished according to one argument presented?

<p>Innocent individuals may be wrongly executed. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary cause of economic growth in Jamaica during the third quarter of 2009?

<p>Rise in Goods Producing industries by 1.7% (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which factor contributed to the decline in the economy compared to the same quarter in 2008?

<p>Decline in Goods Producing industries by 8.7% (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is considered a common hedge?

<p>I think that (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential reason for not dropping hedges from an argument?

<p>They may enhance the argument's validity. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is an effect of employing uniform language in an argument?

<p>It highlights the logical reasoning. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements illustrates a well-crafted argument?

<p>If you study cultures, you question customs, realizing diversity, thus becoming tolerant. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between premises and conclusions in a logical argument?

<p>They must be logically linked. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What can be inferred if someone states, 'I believe that it might rain tomorrow'?

<p>They are expressing doubt about the rain. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In constructing an argument, why is using a consistent term important?

<p>It prevents misunderstanding and confusion. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of these statements exemplifies the use of a hedge?

<p>It appears that climate change is a serious issue. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is an enthymeme?

<p>An argument with certain key elements left implicit. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In an argument diagram, what does an arrow from a premise to a conclusion indicate?

<p>The conclusion is supported by the premise. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How can sub-conclusions be represented in an argument diagram?

<p>By connecting the sub-conclusion directly to the main conclusion. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the notation '1[Campaign reform is needed]' represent in an argument?

<p>The main conclusion of the argument. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements correctly describes how premises are indicated in argument diagrams?

<p>They are marked and numbered with brackets. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the consequence of selecting an unfair interpretation of an argument?

<p>It may distort the author's original meaning. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In interpreting an argument, what should be prioritized when faced with multiple interpretations?

<p>The interpretation that best preserves the rationality of the author. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of breaking down arguments into well-crafted versions?

<p>To clarify the original meaning and enhance understanding. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the example regarding morality and organ transplants illustrate?

<p>The complexity of ethical decision-making. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What should be done with implicit premises when constructing an argument?

<p>Make them explicit in a charitable manner. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes a sub-conclusion in an argument?

<p>An intermediate claim that supports the final conclusion. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements embodies a fair reconstruction of the argument regarding God and morality?

<p>God must exist if morality is deemed objective. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of an unfair interpretation of an argument?

<p>It introduces unrelated or irrelevant concepts. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is an argument?

<p>A set of statements where some of the statements, called premises, are intended to support another, called the conclusion.</p> Signup and view all the answers

A single statement can be an argument.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a well-crafted argument (WCA)?

<p>An argument that is stated in such a way that its important logical features are explicit.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are premise indicators?

<p>Words that are typically followed by a premise.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are conclusion indicators?

<p>Words that are typically followed by a conclusion.</p> Signup and view all the answers

There is a complete list of premise and conclusion indicators.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is excess verbiage?

<p>A word or statement that adds nothing to the argument.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a discount in an argument?

<p>An acknowledgement of a fact or possibility that might be thought to render the argument invalid, weak, unsound, or uncogent.</p> Signup and view all the answers

When rewriting an argument, it's important to keep all repetitions.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is an assurance in an argument?

<p>Words or phrases that indicate a high confidence in the truth of the premises or conclusion.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are hedges in an argument?

<p>Words or phrases that indicate a tentativeness about a premise or inference.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Sometimes assurances and hedges should be kept in an argument because they contribute to its validity.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to employ uniform language in an argument?

<p>To highlight the logical form of reasoning and ensure a clear link between premises and conclusion.</p> Signup and view all the answers

A fair reconstruction of an argument must be loyal to the author's original meaning.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are enthymemes?

<p>Arguments that leave premises or conclusions implicit.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Argument diagrams can only be used for simple arguments.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In an argument diagram, what does an arrow pointing downwards represent?

<p>The arrow represents the premise supporting the conclusion.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Argument diagrams can help identify statements that detract from the value of an argument.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Prime Number

A whole number greater than 1 that is only divisible by 1 and itself.

Illustration

An example or image to clarify a claim. It doesn't prove anything.

Conditional Statement

An 'if-then' statement. One thing happens if another does.

Well-Crafted Argument

A clear argument with explicitly stated premises and conclusion, eliminating unnecessary words.

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Premise

A statement supporting a conclusion in an argument.

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Conclusion

The statement an argument attempts to prove.

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Fiscal Deficit

When government spending exceeds its income.

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Economic Growth

An increase in a country's overall economic activity.

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Premise Indicators

Words or phrases that usually signal a premise in an argument.

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Conclusion Indicators

Words or phrases that signal the conclusion of an argument.

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Excess Verbiage

Words or phrases in an argument that do not contribute to the core reasoning.

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Discount

An acknowledgement of a potential weakness or counter-argument to the conclusion.

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Implicit Premise

A premise that is not directly stated but assumed in an argument.

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Statement

A sentence that can be either true or false.

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Discounting words

Words or phrases that weaken the support for a premise or conclusion.

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Repetition in arguments

Restating premises or conclusions in slightly different ways.

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Assurance words

Words or phrases that indicate high confidence in a premise or conclusion.

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Example of Assurance

Sarah will do well on the logic test, due to her intelligence and hard work.

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Hedges (in arguments)

Words or phrases that show uncertainty in a premise or conclusion.

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Common Assurance Words

Words like 'obviously, clearly, no doubt'.

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Example of Repetition

Logic improves attention and patience with difficult concepts. Applying yourself to logic, will increase your concentration span time and you will be capable of handling complex material without frustration.

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Example of Discounting

Although certain events are random, the universe shows order.

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Enthymeme

An argument with an unstated premise or conclusion. It's a shortened version of a complete argument.

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Argument Diagram

A visual representation of an argument's structure, showing premises supporting the conclusion and their relationships.

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Sub-conclusion

A conclusion supported by a premise and in turn used to support a larger conclusion.

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Hedges

Words or phrases that soften a claim, indicating uncertainty or possibility. Examples include "perhaps," "I think that," and "it seems that."

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Assurances

Statements that express strong confidence or certainty. They often use phrases like "definitely," "certainly," and "without a doubt."

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Argument Strength

The quality of an argument, determined by the strength of its premises and the logical connection between them. Hedges or assurances can impact strength.

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Employ Uniform Language

Using consistent terms and definitions throughout an argument to avoid ambiguity and maintain logical clarity

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Logical Link

The connection between premises and conclusion in an argument, where the conclusion logically follows from the premises.

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Impact of Hedges & Assurances

Hedges and assurances can influence the strength and soundness of an argument. Their inclusion or exclusion can impact how convincing the argument is.

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Example of Poorly Crafted Argument

An argument where the logical link between premises and conclusion is obscured, making it difficult to assess the argument's validity or soundness.

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Fair Reconstruction

Presenting an argument in a way that accurately reflects the author's original meaning and intent.

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Unfair Rendition

Misrepresenting an argument by distorting the author's meaning or adding inaccurate information.

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Charitable Interpretation

Interpreting an argument in the most rational and favorable light, assuming the author is trying to make a good point.

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Make Explicit Implicit Premises

Identifying and clearly stating any implied assumptions within an argument.

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Charitable Way

Explaining implicit premises in a way that supports the author's argument while maintaining its rationality.

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Argument

A set of statements where premises are intended to support a conclusion. Premises and conclusions are distinct statements that can be true or false.

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Non-argument

A passage that does not present a conclusion supported by premises. It may present information, examples, or explanations, but not a logical argument.

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Well-Crafted Argument (WCA)

An argument presented clearly with explicitly stated premises and conclusion, making its logical structure easy to understand.

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Repetition

Restating premises or conclusions using slightly different language. It doesn't add new information to the argument.

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Independent Premises

Premises that each provide separate support for the conclusion, functioning independently of each other.

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Interdependent Premises

Premises that depend on each other to support the conclusion.

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Sub-conclusions as Premises

A sub-conclusion of an argument can itself be used as a premise to support a larger conclusion.

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Arguments with Discounts

Arguments can include acknowledgements of weaknesses or counter-arguments, which are called discounts.

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Arguments with Hedges and Assurances

Hedges (expressions of uncertainty) or assurances (expressions of certainty) can influence the strength and soundness of an argument.

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Study Notes

Analyzing Arguments - Unit 3

  • An argument is a set of statements, some intended to support a conclusion
  • Premises support the conclusion
  • Premises and conclusions are distinct statements, either true or false
  • An argument can contain multiple statements, appearing anywhere in a passage
  • A complete sentence may contain more than one statement
  • Arguments consist entirely of statements that can be regarded as true or false
  • Questions, commands, exclamations, are not statements; rhetorical questions can be treated as statements
  • Single statements, no matter how long or complex, are not arguments
  • An argument requires a claim that one statement follows from others
  • A passage is an argument only if the speaker/writer intends statements to support another, as evidence or reasons

Types of Non-Arguments

  • Reports: Sets of statements intending to provide information about a topic (situation, event)
  • Illustrations: Statements with explanatory or clarifying examples
  • Explanatory Statements: Statements providing reasons for a phenomenon
  • Conditional Statements: Statements in if-then form

Well-Crafted Arguments (WCAs)

  • WCAs are arguments expressed in a way that clearly shows their logical features
  • Well-crafted arguments clearly identify premises and their relationship to the conclusion
  • Eliminate excess verbiage: discounts, repetition, assurances, hedges
  • Use consistent language
  • Avoid confusing sub-conclusions with final conclusions
  • Make implicit premises explicit

Identifying Premises and Conclusions

  • Premises are the statements used to support a conclusion
  • Statements are sentences (or parts of sentences) that are true or false
  • Premise indicators (e.g., since, because) typically precede a premise
  • Conclusion indicators (e.g., therefore, hence) typically precede a conclusion

Limitations of Indicators

  • No complete list of premise/conclusion indicators exists
  • Not all premises or conclusions have indicators
  • Words/phrases that indicate premises/conclusions in one context may not do so in another
  • Not all sentences are statements (e.g., questions)
  • Rhetorical questions can be statements
  • Commands can act as premises/conclusions

Excess Verbiage

  • Excess verbiage (words/statements) adds nothing to the argument
  • Types of excess verbiage: discounts, repetition, assurances, and hedges

Additional Notes

  • Discounts: Acknowledge facts that might weaken or invalidate an argument (e.g., "although," "despite the fact that")
  • Hedges: Show tentativeness or uncertainty (e.g., "in my opinion," "perhaps")
  • Argument Diagrams: Used to show the relationship between premises and conclusions. Arrows connecting statements indicate support. Independent or interdependent premises are shown

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Unit 3 - Analyzing Arguments PDF

Description

This quiz focuses on understanding arguments and distinguishing them from non-arguments. Learn the key components such as premises, conclusions, and different types of statements. You'll also explore examples of reports and illustrations to better grasp the concept of argumentation.

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