Argument

Definition

An argument is a series of statements or premises used to support a conclusion or claim. It involves the presentation of reasons and evidence to persuade someone to accept a particular position or viewpoint.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Arguments are central to the practice of philosophy, as they are used to critically examine and justify beliefs, theories, and worldviews.
2. The strength of an argument depends on the validity and soundness of its premises, as well as the logical connections between the premises and the conclusion.
3. Deductive arguments aim to reach a conclusion that necessarily follows from the given premises, while inductive arguments seek to establish a conclusion that is likely to be true based on the available evidence.
4. Fallacious arguments, which contain logical flaws or invalid reasoning, can be used to mislead or manipulate people, and it is important to be able to identify and critique them.
5. The analysis and evaluation of arguments is a key skill in philosophical inquiry, as it allows for the critical examination of ideas and the development of well-reasoned positions.

Review Questions

• Explain how the concept of an argument is relevant to the topic of 'What Is Philosophy?'
  • The concept of an argument is central to the practice of philosophy because philosophy involves the critical examination of beliefs, theories, and worldviews through the presentation of reasons and evidence. Philosophers use arguments to justify their positions, challenge existing ideas, and engage in the collaborative pursuit of knowledge. The ability to construct and evaluate arguments is a fundamental skill in philosophical inquiry, as it allows for the rigorous analysis of complex issues and the development of well-reasoned perspectives.
• Describe the role of arguments in the context of the 'Types of Inferences' topic.
  • Arguments are closely tied to the concept of inferences, which are the logical connections made between premises and conclusions. Deductive arguments, for example, rely on valid inferences to reach conclusions that necessarily follow from the given premises. Inductive arguments, on the other hand, use inferences to establish conclusions that are likely to be true based on the available evidence. The evaluation of the strength and validity of arguments is crucial in determining the soundness of the inferences made, and this skill is essential in the analysis of different types of reasoning and their applications in philosophical and scientific contexts.
• Analyze how the structure and components of an argument (e.g., premises, conclusion) contribute to its overall effectiveness and persuasiveness.
  • The effectiveness and persuasiveness of an argument are largely determined by the strength and validity of its underlying structure and components. The premises, which serve as the foundation of the argument, must be well-supported and logically connected to the conclusion. The conclusion, in turn, must follow logically from the premises and provide a clear and compelling resolution to the issue being addressed. The ability to identify and critically evaluate the various elements of an argument, such as the assumptions, reasoning, and evidence used, is crucial in determining its overall effectiveness and persuasiveness. This skill is essential in both the construction and the analysis of arguments, which are central to the practice of philosophy and the pursuit of knowledge.

Related terms

Premise:

A statement or assumption that forms the basis of an argument, from which a conclusion is drawn.

Conclusion:

The end result or claim that an argument is intended to establish or prove based on the provided premises.

Logical Reasoning:

The process of using sound and valid reasoning to arrive at a conclusion based on the given premises or information.