Forms of Argumentation

Question 1

how to put an argument in standard form:

Answer 1

P1: …
P2: …
P3: …
C: … (P1,P2,P3)

Question 2

common conclusion indicators?

Answer 2

• Thus . . .
• Therefore . . .
• So . . .
• Hence . . .
• It follows that . . .
• . . . which shows that . . .
• For these reasons . . .

Question 3

Common argument forms:

Answer 3

• Categorical syllogism (…, hence.…)
• Disjunctive syllogism (Since…, because….)
• Hypothetical syllogism (If…, then…. Therefore,…. This is because….)
• Modus Ponens (If…, then…. Since…,….)
• Modus Tollens (If…, then…. …because….)

Question 4

Categorical Syllogism

Answer 4

…, hence…

P1: All As are Bs.
P2: All Bs are Cs.
C: All As are Cs. (P1,P2)

Question 5

Disjunctive Syllogism

Answer 5

Since…, because…

P1: Either A or B
P2: (not) A/B
C: (not) B/A.

Question 6

Hypothetical Syllogism

Answer 6

If…, then…. Therefore,…. This is because….

P1: If A then B
P2: If B then C
C: If A then C. (P1,P2)

Question 7

Modus Ponens

Answer 7

If…, then…. Since…, ….

P1: If A then B
P2: A
C: B (P1,P2)
Opposite of Modus Tollens!

Question 8

Modus Tollens

Answer 8

If…, then…. …because….

P1: If A then B
P2: Not B
C: Not A (P1,P2)

Opposite of Modus Ponens!

Question 9

What is an argument?

Answer 9

An argument is a set of claims, one of which (the conclusion) is meant to be supported by the others (the premises).

Question 10

What are the parts of an argument?

Answer 10

Premises and Conclusion.

Question 11

What is a premise?

Answer 11

A premise (of an argument) is a claim put forth as a reason for the conclusion (of the argument).

Question 12

What is a conclusion?

Answer 12

A conclusion (of an argument) is a claim meant to be supported by reasons (offered in the argument).

Question 13

What is the purpose / function of an argument?

Answer 13

The purpose/function of an argument is to make another think or do something differently.