The Structure of Argument 1 The Structure of

The Structure of Argument (1)

The Structure of Argument (1) • • How to identify premises and conclusions in argument How to identify hidden assumptions How to write a summary How to distinguish between an argument and an explanation

Premises and Conclusions are key assertions that the other assertions support. These other assertions are the premises, reasons that support the conclusion.

Example Because fracking (the drilling of rock to release gas) lowers natural gas prices, all states should allow it.

Example Premise: fracking lowers natural gas prices Conclusion: all states should allow it.

With an additional premise Because fracking lowers natural gas prices and reduces American dependence on foreign oil, all states should allow it.

Which argument is stronger? Because fracking lowers natural gas prices and reduces American dependence on foreign oil, all states should allow it. Because fracking lowers natural gas prices, all states should allow it.

Another example I was horrified to read “Corporate Mind Control” and learn that some companies are training employees in New Age thinking, which is a blend of the occult, Eastern religions, and a smattering of Christianity. What they’re dealing with is dangerous—Krone Training will be disastrous to the company and the employee.

What are the premises? What is the conclusion? I was horrified to read “Corporate Mind Control” and learn that some companies are training employees in New Age thinking, which is a blend of the occult, Eastern religions, and a smattering of Christianity. What they’re dealing with is dangerous—Krone Training will be disastrous to the company and the employee.

A conclusion repeated in different words may look like an argument but shouldn’t deceive a careful reader. [Information] I was horrified to read “Corporate Mind Control” and learn that some companies are training employees in New Age thinking, which is a blend of the occult, Eastern religions, and a smattering of Christianity. [Conclusion] What they’re dealing with is dangerous—[Conclusion restated] Krone Training will be disastrous to the company and the employee.

Formulate a premise that would transform the letter into an argument. [Information] I was horrified to read “Corporate Mind Control” and learn that some companies are training employees in New Age thinking, which is a blend of the occult, Eastern religions, and a smattering of Christianity. [Conclusion] What they’re dealing with is dangerous—[Conclusion restated] Krone Training will be disastrous to the company and the employee.

Distinguishing between premises and conclusions Joining words—conjunctions and transitional phrases—indicate logical relationships between ideas and therefore often help us to make this distinction.

Distinguishing between premises and conclusions Joining words—conjunctions and transitional phrases—indicate logical relationships between ideas and therefore often help us to make this distinction. I didn’t drink because I had problems.

Distinguishing between premises and conclusions Joining words indicate which assertions are being offered as premises and which as conclusions. Instead of building another bridge across the bay to alleviate traffic congestion, we should develop a ferry system because such a system would decrease air pollution as well as traffic congestion.

Distinguishing between premises and conclusions “Because” and “since” frequently introduce premises. “So, ” “therefore, ” “thus, ” “hence, ” and “consequently” often introduce conclusions.

Distinguishing between premises and conclusions Conclusion because premise Premise therefore conclusion Note: “and” often connects premises. Joining words are essential for conveying a logical sequence of thought.

Distinguishing between premises and conclusions Your turn! Pick a topic from the board and write two premises and one conclusion about it.