Internal Consistency in Arguments

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Questions and Answers

What does internal consistency in an argument ensure?

  • That the argument includes complex jargon.
  • That the argument contradicts itself.
  • That the argument is lengthy.
  • That all parts of the reasoning support the conclusion. (correct)

What is one way to manage contradictions in an argument?

  • Avoiding any form of alternative points of view.
  • Countering arguments with alternative points of view. (correct)
  • Making the argument as confusing as possible.
  • Ignoring alternative viewpoints.

Why is it important to use precise language in constructing arguments?

  • To showcase one's extensive vocabulary.
  • To ensure clarity and avoid redundancy. (correct)
  • To make the argument longer and more impressive.
  • To confuse the audience and make the argument seem more complex.

What does logical consistency in arguments check?

<p>Whether the reasons support the conclusion. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are joint reasons in an argument?

<p>Reasons that are connected and mutually reinforce each other. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic of independent reasons?

<p>Each is valid on its own but unrelated to the others. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What do intermediate conclusions help to do in an argument?

<p>Structure the argument. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes summative conclusions?

<p>Summarizing previous information. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of logical conclusions?

<p>Including one or more judgements drawn from analysis. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What should a logical order in an argument NOT do?

<p>Hop from one point to another in a random way. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is an important component of internal consistency?

<p>Having parts of the reasoning agree with the conclusion. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In arguments, what should including opposing arguments accomplish?

<p>Strengthen the argument by addressing counterpoints. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is precision important in an argument?

<p>To ensure clarity and consistency. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of checking for logical consistency?

<p>To check if the reasons support the conclusion. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do joint reasons function in an argument?

<p>They connect and strengthen each other. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of independent reasons in an argument?

<p>Each is valid on its own. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why use intermediate conclusions?

<p>To structure complex arguments. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What do summative conclusions primarily do?

<p>Summarize key points. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What do logical conclusions include?

<p>Judgements from analyzing reasons. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of logical order in an argument?

<p>Leading with a clear direction. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is clarity in the context of structuring arguments?

<p>The state of being easily understood (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does consistency refer to in writing?

<p>Maintaining the same tone and style throughout the piece (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is structure important in an argument?

<p>To help present reasoning in a logical manner (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant benefit of including opposing arguments?

<p>Potentially strengthens an argument by adressing counterpoints (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What should well-ordered, well-structured arguments do?

<p>Lead the reader to a clear conclusion (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to recognize an author's conclusion?

<p>Helps to analyze how well the reasons are arranged (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does evaluating logical consistency check for?

<p>Whether the reasons provided support the conclusion (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In writing an argument, what does precision of langauge accomplish?

<p>Clarity and precision, while avoiding verbosity (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one way to deal with poor logical order?

<p>Arrange for and against facts (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Internal consistency in arguments

A consistent argument where all parts of the reasoning contribute to the conclusion, without contradictions.

Including opposing arguments

A strong line of reasoning that considers alternative viewpoints, even those contradicting the main argument.

Precision in arguments

Careful and exact word choice in well-constructed arguments to ensure clarity and internal consistency.

Logical Consistency

Reasons supporting the conclusion. When assessing an argument check if the reasons support the conclusion.

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Joint reasons

Interconnected reasons reinforcing each other; all must be acceptable for the argument to stand.

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Independent reasons

Reasons valid alone, unrelated; one can suffice even if others are dismissed.

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Intermediate Conclusions

Sets of reasons supporting overall conclusions in well-structured arguments.

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Summative Conclusions

Condensing previous data into an overall summary, often without judgment.

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Logical Conclusions

Deductions based on reasons, judgments from analyzing evidence.

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Logical Order

Arguments presented clearly, guiding audience logically.

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Poor Logical Order

Sorting statements 'for' and 'against' a conclusion.

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Study Notes

Internal Consistency

  • A clear position is presented through a consistent argument where reasoning contributes to the conclusion
  • Inconsistencies in an argument make it difficult to follow, leaving the audience uncertain of the author's intent
  • Consider alternative points of view, including those that contradict the main argument, to ensure clarity and internal consistency
  • Contradictions can be managed by clarifying the intended position, clearly indicating alternative viewpoints, countering arguments, and resolving apparent contradictions

Precision

  • Well-constructed arguments and precise word use are vital for internal consistency and clarity
  • Unnecessary verbosity can lead to redundancy
  • Relative benefits are not the same as making an absolute statement

Logical Consistency

  • Reasons should support the conclusion, with the argument needing to add up
  • The conclusion that young people should be banned from hanging around the station is not supported by the fact that one set of young people is often found near a station where a murder took place
  • The conclusion is not supported because there is no evidence that the young people committed the murder, that other young people would do the same, or that a general ban would prevent future murders

Independent and Joint Reasons

  • Independent and joint reasons support an argument, with strength determined by evidentiary credibility and persuasiveness.
  • Joint reasons are connected and mutually reinforce each other, requiring each reason to be acceptable for the argument to hold.
  • Independent reasons can support a conclusion individually, with one good reason sufficient even if others are discounted

Intermediate Conclusions

  • Longer reasoning lines may have sets of reasons supporting the overall conclusion, ordered with similar reasons grouped together.
  • Each set of reasons supports an intermediate conclusion.
  • Intermediate conclusions support the main reasoning and help structure an argument

Intermediate Conclusions as Reasons

  • Intermediate conclusions can have two purposes: summative and to serve as a reason
  • Summative conclusions clarify the argument by providing more manageable bites, reinforce the message and remind the audience of the overall argument by organising reasons into logical groups and using a sentence to summarise each set of reasons
  • An author may need to establish a solid case for an intermediate conclusion before this can serve as a reason

Summative and Logical Conclusions

  • Summative conclusions draw together previous information into an overall summary
  • Logical Conclusions
  • Deduction based on reasons with judgements drawn from an analysis of the reasons given
  • More than simply a summary of the arguments or the evidence

Logical Order

  • Reasoning should progress with a clear direction
  • A more logical argument can be constructed by:
  • Grouping similar points
  • Presenting reasons that support the argument first
  • Considering opposing reasons
  • Poor logical order can be dealt with by ordering the arguments for and against, or as arguments that do or do not support the conclusion

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