1. Analysis of Diagnostic Essay: The Deductive Argument English 102 Argumentation

2. The Language of Argument n utterance n sentence n proposition n premise n conclusion n argument

3. Utterance: a meaningful or non-meaningful verbal expression n La de da! n I don’t care what you say. n The sky is green.

4. Sentence: a meaningful utterance that has a subject and a predicate n We /don’t have to agree with our teammates about everything in order to work together effectively.

5. Proposition: a true or false statement about the world n All students can write outstanding papers in four languages. n Human beings are not perfect.

6. Argument: at least one premise accompanied by a conclusion n Human beings are not perfect. n Horace is a human being. n Therefore, Horace is not perfect.

7. Premise: a proposition that is used as evidence for a claim (conclusion) n Human beings are not perfect. n Horace is a human being.

8. Major Premise: offers a generalization about a large group or class that has been arrived at through inductive reasoning or observation of particulars n Human beings are not perfect.

9. Minor Premise: makes a statement about a member of that group or class n Horace is a human being.

10. Conclusion (claim): a proposition that is derived from at least one premise n Therefore, Horace is not perfect.

11. Valid Argument: The conclusion follows from the premises whether or not the premises are true n All students can write outstanding papers in four languages. (T or F?) n Horace is a student. (T) n Therefore, Horace can write outstanding papers in four languages.(Valid or invalid?)

12. Sound Argument: an argument in which all premises are true and the conclusion follows from the premises n Human beings are not perfect. (T) n Horace is a human being. (T) n Therefore, Horace is not perfect. (valid and sound)

13. Warrant: a general principle or assumption that establishes a connection between the support and the claim n Substantive: based on beliefs about the reliability of factual evidence n motivational: based on the values of the arguer and the audience n authoritative: based on the credibility of the sources

14. In Support of Mercy Killing n Major Premise (motivational warrant): People have a basic right to choose. n Minor Premise (support): Terminally ill and suffering patients are people. n Conclusion (claim): Terminally ill and suffering patients have the right to choose mercy killing.

15. Implied Argument (in the introductory anecdote) n Major Premise (warrant): When dealing with a terminally ill patient who is suffering terribly, the most humane course of action is desirable. n Minor Premise (support): Mercy killing is more humane than prolonging suffering when dealing with a terminally ill patient who is suffering terribly. n Conclusion (claim): Mercy killing should be allowed when it is the most humane course of action for a terminally ill and suffering patient.