Lecture 11 : Argument Structures (Part Two)

Question 1

What does it mean for premises to support a conclusion independently?

Answer 1

Each premise individually supports the conclusion

The conclusion remains valid if one of the premises is removed.

Question 2

Provide an example of an argument supporting a conclusion independently.

Answer 2

[Active voluntary euthanasia upholds the rights of a terminally ill patient to decide about her own life]. [Moreover, it prevents pointless suffering and torment]. [Therefore, active voluntary euthanasia should be legal].

(Van Den Berg 2005: 53)

Question 3

What does it mean for premises to support a conclusion interdependently?

Answer 3

Both premises are necessary for the conclusion to follow

The conclusion becomes invalid if one of the premises is removed.

Question 4

Provide an example of an argument supporting a conclusion interdependently.

Answer 4

[All persons have a right to life]. [Seema is a person]. [Therefore, Seema has a right to life].

(Van Den Berg 2005: 54)

Question 5

What are three common argument structures?

Answer 5

• Analogy
• If-then
• ABC link

Question 6

Describe the analogy argument structure.

Answer 6

X is like Y; Y has the characteristic Z; thus, X also has Z

Example: Cows are similar to humans in that they have the capacity to suffer.

Question 7

Explain the if-then argument structure.

Answer 7

Expression ‘a’ is linked to expression ‘b’; if claim ‘ab’ is true, then linked to idea ‘c’; conclusion links ‘a’ and ‘c’

Example: MY IDEA OF GOD DID NOT ARISE FROM SENSE EXPERIENCE.

Question 8

What is the ABC link argument structure?

Answer 8

Expression ‘a’ linked to ‘b’; ‘b’ linked to new idea ‘c’; conclusion links ‘a’ and ‘c’

Example: THE DEATH PENALTY CAUSES THE DEATH OF INNOCENT PEOPLE.

Question 9

What is the implied conclusion in the argument: ‘Abortion is the deliberate ending of life. What is more, every creature has a right to life.’?

Answer 9

Abortion is morally wrong

The conclusion is implied rather than explicitly stated.

Question 10

Which structural factors are relevant to the argument about abortion?

Answer 10

• Premises support conclusion independently?
• Premises support conclusion interdependently?
• The analogy structure?
• The ABC link structure?
• The if-then link structure?

Question 11

What should you do when asked to comment on argument structure?

Answer 11

Identify one of the five structural factors and explain how the argument uses it.