Making arguments

Question 1

What is the shape of a valid argument?

Answer 1

Premise1: If A = B,
Premise2: and B = C
Logical connection: Then (apply principle of equivalence) Conclusion: A = C

Question 2

A valid argument is one in which…

Answer 2

if the premises are true, then the conclusion must be true also.

Question 3

Common problems with premises are:

Answer 3

1. They are wrong
2. They do not cover the relevant facts necessary to argue the conclusion
3. One or more premises is an unwarranted assumption.
4. The hidden premise-fallacy

Question 4

What is meant by rationalisation in terms of making arguments?

Answer 4

In fact, psychological experiments show that most people start with conclusions they desire, then reverse engineer arguments to support them – a process called rationalization.