Learning Objectives
- Evaluate logical structures in arguments
Analyzing Arguments
Sometimes an argument will have an unstated or suppressed premise, rather than stating something outright.
Example: unstated premises
Consider this highly unscientific poll conducted by a TV news station. “Which do you believe the senator is most out of touch with: illegal immigration, border security, or the American people?” The pollster is operating as if it is unquestionable that the senator is out of touch with something. In other words, the question presupposes that the senator is “out of touch.” However, this unstated premise is debatable once it is brought out into the open.
A reader or listener unaware of unstated or suppressed premises may unknowingly accept an argument on unfair terms. On complex issues, assumptions people take for granted often need the most scrutiny.
Example: Missing Premises
In the claim, “This medication is labeled as totally natural, so it is safe for me to take,” the hidden premise—that natural means safe—is questionable and should be critically examined.
Argument Diagramming
Besides recognizing the use of induction and deduction, you can use diagramming or outlining to identify it an argument’s structure. An argument, in this context, is not a “quarrel” or a “fight”, but a set of statements where premises support a conclusion.
The first step is to pinpoint the main claim (conclusion) and the supporting claims (premises). This process is easier when the author clearly signals argument steps using “indicator” terms that highlight premises and conclusions.
Key Takeaway: Indicators for conclusions and premises
Words that introduce or signal an argument conclusion include:
- therefore
- so
- we may conclude/infer
- thus
- consequently
Words that introduce argument premises include:
- it follows that
- implies that
- as a result
- because (non-causal meaning)
- since
- or the reason that
- for
- and (this often signals the introduction of a further premise, as in “You should believe Z because of reason 1 and reason 2.”)
The Purpose Behind Diagramming an Argument
Steps in Diagramming an Argument
Here are the basic moves that are required to create a clear diagram or outline of an argument.
- List the Claims – Identify all claims in the argument. Since a sentence may contain multiple claims, break them into separate statements and use a numbering or labeling system.
- Cut the Fluff – Remove repetitions, unsupported assertions, and irrelevant information to focus on the core argument.
- Find Premises and Conclusions – Determine which statements serve as premises (supporting points) and which is the main conclusion (the overall claim being defended).
- Spot Sub-Conclusions – Identify any sub-conclusions, which act as conclusions for smaller arguments but also serve as premises supporting the main conclusion.
- Distinguish Independent vs. Linked Premises – Identify whether premises stand alone (independent) or work together (linked) to support a conclusion. If diagramming, find some way to connect linked premises together before connecting them to the conclusion.
Using the Argument’s Paragraphing to Evaluate the Premises
An author must carefully organize their material to guide the audience through their argument, and one key tool for this is the paragraph. Each paragraph should be tightly focused, with sentences that collectively develop a single idea, often introduced in a topic sentence. The paragraphs themselves should follow a logical order that reflects the structure of the argument.
Since premises are the key steps in an argument, a well-structured essay may use each premise as a topic sentence, with supporting sentences developing the idea. Sometimes, a single premise may guide multiple paragraphs, each exploring different aspects of the claim. For example, if a premise states, “College students overestimate the amount of binge drinking that occurs,” the argument might include separate paragraphs analyzing how this overestimation differs among sorority members, fraternity members, and non-Greek students.
Look to see whether the author has used paragraphing-by-premise to organize their argument and outline its structure for the audience. Also, consider whether any key premises are missing. Some premises may be suppressed—assumed but not explicitly stated—either because the author takes them for granted or hopes the audience won’t question them. As you analyze the argument, identify any unacknowledged premises and determine where a paragraph addressing them should have been included.
WAtch It
Now that you know how to identify premises and conclusions, let’s apply that to looking at arguments in paragraphs. You should ask yourself the following:
- What is the point, or conclusion, of this paragraph?
- Is there sufficient evidence for this conclusion?
- Is the evidence relevant to the conclusion?
You can view the transcript for “Analyzing the Argument- Part 2 of 2” here (opens in new window).
The Similarity Between Conclusions and Thesis Statements
When we talk about a paper, we usually talk about the paper’s main claim as being its thesis statement. But of course, a paper that just makes a claim or states an opinion but offers no supporting reasons or arguments is not much of a paper. We would be bothered by reading an editorial in which someone stated a strong opinion on some public issue yet did nothing to justify that opinion.
When an author supports a thesis with reasons, then the thesis statement can be described as the conclusion of an argument, with the supporting reasons being that argument’s premises. The argument now has a structure that can be outlined or diagrammed.
Candela Citations
- The Logical Structure of Arguments. Provided by: Radford University. Located at: http://lcubbison.pressbooks.com/chapter/core-201-analyzing-arguments/. License: CC BY: Attribution
- Analyzing the Argument. Authored by: Snap Language. Located at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pP8dWURrEF0. License: Public Domain: No Known Copyright
- Analyzing the Argument - Part 2 of 2. Authored by: Snap Language. Located at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jVf_iJpSIrM&t=234s. License: Other. License Terms: Standard YouTube License