17 Questions
What is deductive reasoning?
Drawing a conclusion based on generally accepted facts
Why is it essential for premises in a deductive argument to be true?
To guarantee the truth of the conclusion
What is the mathematical essence of a deductive argument?
A = B, B = C, so A = C
What happens if one rejects the conclusion of a correctly formulated deductive argument while accepting the truth of the premises?
They are rejecting logic itself
What does deduction in argumentation involve?
Starting from general premises and drawing a specific conclusion
What is the main purpose of providing premises in an argument?
To establish the truth of the conclusion
In the context of arguments, what role do premises play?
To serve as evidence for the conclusion
How does a standard form argument differentiate between the premise and the conclusion?
By clearly showing how the premise supports the conclusion
What is the primary goal of an argument that aims to show why its conclusion is true?
To provide an explanation
Why do some arguments aim to establish the truth of a conclusion rather than why it is true?
To convince someone of a fact
What distinguishes an explanation from a standard argument?
The focus on proving a fact rather than why it is true
What is the best way to determine whether an argument is present?
Asking if someone is trying to establish or explain a statement based on another statement
Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a common premise indicator in the text?
Therefore
Why can't occurrences of 'since' and 'so' in sentences always indicate an argument is being made?
Because their usage can vary, and not every occurrence signifies an argument.
Which statement is true about identifying arguments using premise and conclusion indicators?
Understanding English sentences is crucial to accurately determine if arguments are present.
What should one do if they want to establish a statement as true based on another statement?
Rely on the English sentence structure.
Which of the following sentences does NOT contain an argument based on another statement?
'She was so tired after work.'
Study Notes
Identifying Arguments
- Premise indicators: since, therefore, because, so, for, hence, as, thus, given that, implies that, seeing that, consequently, for the reason that, it follows that
- Conclusion indicators: so, therefore, hence, thus, consequently, it follows that
- Not all sentences with these indicators are arguments; understanding of the sentence is necessary to determine if an argument is present
- Ask: Is there a statement someone is trying to establish as true or explain why it is true by basing it on some other statement?
Arguments and Explanations
- Arguments: statements with premises providing reasons (support, evidence) for accepting the conclusion
- Goal of an argument: to establish that the conclusion is true
- Example: citing studies from CDC and NIH to establish that obesity rates are rising in the U.S.
- Standard form: clearly distinguishes premise from conclusion, showing how the conclusion is supported by the premise
Explanations
- Goal of an explanation: to establish why a statement or claim is true, not just that it is true
- Example: Socrates was a man, all men are mortal, therefore Socrates was mortal
- Essence of the argument: if A=B, and B=C, then A=C
- Deductive reasoning: starting from general premises, drawing a specific conclusion containing no more information than the premises
- Correctly formulated deductive argument: if premises are true, the conclusion must be true; rejecting the conclusion means rejecting logic
Test your knowledge on common premise and conclusion indicators used in arguments. Learn how to recognize words and phrases that signal premises and conclusions in sentences.
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