Basic Logical Concepts

Question 1

Logic

Answer 1

The study of the methods and principles used to distinguish correct from incorrect reasoning.

Question 2

Proposition

Answer 2

A statement; what is typically asserted using a declarative sentence, and hence always either true or false - although its truth or falsity may be unknown.

Question 3

Statement

Answer 3

A proposition; what is typically asserted by a declarative sentence, but not the sentence itself.

Every statement must be either true or false, although the truth of falsity of a given statement may be unknown.

Question 4

Inference

Answer 4

A process by which one proposition is arrived at and affirmed on the basis of some other proposition or propositions.

Question 5

Argument

Answer 5

Any group of propositions of which one is claimed to follow from the others, which are regarded as providing support or grounds for the truth of that one.

Question 6

Conclusion

Answer 6

In any argument, the proposition to which the other propositions in the argument are claimed to give support, or for which they are given as reasons.

Question 7

Premises

Answer 7

In an argument, the propositions upon which inference is based; the propositions that are claimed to provide grounds or reasons for the conclusion.

Question 8

Conclusion indicator

Answer 8

A word or phrase (such as “therefore” or “thus”) appearing in an argument and usually indicating that what follows it is the conclusion of that argument.