Arguments Jason M. Chang Critical Thinking

Lecture Outline I.Basics of an argument II.Identifying premises and conclusions

Basics of an argument CLAIMS (STATEMENTS) Definition Non-claims Arguments are made up of claims

Basics of an argument All film stars are celebrities. Where is Khartoum? Let’s go to the movie tonight. Abortion is the killing of a human being. Turn off the TV! Aliens have three heads. John exclaimed, “Don’t ever do that again!” That’s stupid!

Basics of an argument Just because we have a set of claims does not necessarily mean we have an argument Claim 1 - Poland is in Europe. Claim 2 – Burgers taste good. Claim 3 – The moon is made of green cheese.

Basics of an argument Just because we have a set of claims about the same topic does not necessarily mean we have an argument Claim 1 – Cheese is white. Claim 2 – Swiss cheese has holes. Claim 3 – The moon is made of green cheese.

Basics of an argument Claim 1 Claim 2 Claim 3 Some of the claims must provide reasons (or support) for another claim Inferential relationship

Basics of an argument Dogs are more loyal than cats. Dogs are smarter than cats. Dogs are superior pets than cats. Premises Conclusion Inference

Basics of an argument Definition of an argument A set of claims, where some of the claims (premises) provide reasons for another claim (conclusion)

Basics of an argument What arguments are NOT Mere assertions “Jerry Springer” dispute A “Jerry Springer” dispute is NOT what we mean by an “argument”

Identifying premises and conclusions

Conclusion Ways to identify the conclusion “What is the author trying to convince me of”? Indicator words Students are adults who can make their own decisions. Students are often busy with things outside of academics. So, student should not be required to attend class.

Identifying premises and conclusions Students are adults and students are busy; ___________, students should not be required to attend class. therefore thus hence so as a result consequently it follows that

Identifying premises and conclusions Premises Ways to identify the premises “What reasons support the conclusion?” Indicator words It is important to eat healthy. A healthy diet will result in a clearer mind. It will also lead to less stress.

Identifying premises and conclusions It is important to eat healthy, _____________ a healthy diet will result in a clearer mind and lead to less stress. because since given that for the reason that in light of insofar that

Without freedom of the press, our other freedoms would be immediately threatened. Furthermore, freedom of the press aids in the advancement of new freedoms. Thus, freedom of press is the most important of our constitutionally guaranteed freedoms. Identifying premises and conclusions (P1) Without freedom of the press, our other freedoms would be immediately threatened. (P2) Freedom of the press aids in the advancement of new freedoms. Therefore, (C) Freedom of the press is the most important of our constitutionally guaranteed freedoms.

There is no point in getting your first elementary education in some language other than English if your native language is English, because English is the language of world business, and English is the most important language a person can learn to speak fluently. Identifying premises and conclusions (P1) English is the language of world business (P2) English is the most important language a person can speak fluently. Therefore, (C) There is no point in getting your first elementary education in some language other than English.