LESSON 3: Distinguishing Between Arguments and Non-Arguments Flashcards
What is an argument?
An argument is a conclusion supported by one or more premises.
What is the difference between an argument and non-arguments?
Arguments have a conclusion supported by premises; non-arguments do not.
Fill in the blank: An inference or argument is any purportedly rational movement from _______ to a conclusion.
premises
What are the two components of an argument?
Conclusion and premises.
True or False: Good arguments always succeed in persuading people.
False
What characterizes a bad argument?
The premises fail to support the conclusion.
What is the rhetorical purpose of arguments?
To persuade people and convince them to believe the conclusion.
Fill in the blank: A good argument’s premises actually do _______ the conclusion.
support
What example was given to illustrate a bad argument?
The argument that Bob Marley is the greatest musician of all time based on song claims.
What is the relationship between support and conclusion in an argument supposed to be?
Rational.
Which of the following sentences is an argument? Choose 2 answers: ‘We know the student cheated on the exam because the instructor caught the student stealing glances at their neighbor’s test.’ or ‘The student only cheated on the exam because their financial aid depended on it.’
Both sentences are arguments.
What happens when premises do not support the conclusion?
The argument is considered bad or logically incorrect.
Fill in the blank: An argument or inference is a set of propositions including _______ and a conclusion.
premises
When does a set of propositions not form an argument?
When it does not include premises and conclusion.
Choose the correct characterization: ‘It is raining, so it is not a good day for a picnic.’
It is an argument.
What is an example of a non-argument?
A disconnected set of statements.
What insight should one gain from analyzing an argument?
Understanding its structure.
Fill in the blank: Arguments can be good or bad, logically _______ or incorrect.
correct
What is the main focus when evaluating arguments in logic?
Identifying the kinds of reasons that ought to be persuasive.
What is the significance of the phrase ‘supposed to be’ in the definition of an argument?
It allows for the possibility of bad arguments.
List the premises in the example about Bob Marley.
- Bob Marley wrote ‘One Love’
- Bob Marley sang the best rendition of ‘Don’t Worry, Be Happy’
- Bob Marley wrote ‘Three Little Birds’
- Bob Marley wrote ‘No Woman No Cry’
- Bob Marley wrote ‘Buffalo Soldier’
