{"id":1696,"date":"2020-02-19T04:10:04","date_gmt":"2020-02-19T04:10:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/coreqenglish1\/?post_type=chapter&#038;p=1696"},"modified":"2025-02-18T18:32:24","modified_gmt":"2025-02-18T18:32:24","slug":"logical-arguments","status":"publish","type":"chapter","link":"https:\/\/courses.lumenlearning.com\/englishcomp1\/chapter\/logical-arguments\/","title":{"raw":"Logical Arguments","rendered":"Logical Arguments"},"content":{"raw":"<div class=\"textbox learning-objectives\">\r\n<h3>Learning Objectives<\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Examine the elements of an argument<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<h2>Logical Arguments<\/h2>\r\n<div class=\"flex max-w-full flex-col flex-grow\">\r\n<div class=\"min-h-8 text-message flex w-full flex-col items-end gap-2 whitespace-normal break-words text-start [.text-message+&amp;]:mt-5\" dir=\"auto\" data-message-author-role=\"assistant\" data-message-id=\"b8d47ae3-e360-4cbb-970d-319186469d58\" data-message-model-slug=\"gpt-4o\">\r\n<div class=\"flex w-full flex-col gap-1 empty:hidden first:pt-[3px]\">\r\n<div class=\"markdown prose w-full break-words dark:prose-invert dark\">\r\n<p data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"379\" data-is-last-node=\"\">Any persuasive writing likely includes a <strong data-start=\"41\" data-end=\"61\">logical argument<\/strong> to support its claims. Philosophers study arguments in depth, analyzing reasoning, logic, and validity. While you won\u2019t examine arguments as deeply in an English course as in Philosophy or Logic, you should still be familiar with key components of argumentation. Knowing the basic elements of an argument will help you identify the logic behind any arguments you read and also help you construct effective arguments in your own writing.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<h2 data-start=\"121\" data-end=\"154\"><strong data-start=\"125\" data-end=\"152\">Elements of an Argument<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n<div class=\"textbox key-takeaways\">\r\n<h3>Key Takeaway: Elements of an argument<\/h3>\r\n<p data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"105\">An <strong data-start=\"3\" data-end=\"15\">argument<\/strong> is a structured way of presenting reasoning to support a point of view. It consists of:<\/p>\r\n\r\n<ul data-start=\"107\" data-end=\"324\">\r\n \t<li data-start=\"107\" data-end=\"166\"><strong data-start=\"109\" data-end=\"118\">Claim<\/strong> \u2013 The main assertion or opinion being argued.<\/li>\r\n \t<li data-start=\"167\" data-end=\"236\"><strong data-start=\"169\" data-end=\"181\">Premises<\/strong> \u2013 The evidence or reasoning that supports the claim.<\/li>\r\n \t<li data-start=\"237\" data-end=\"324\"><strong data-start=\"239\" data-end=\"253\">Conclusion<\/strong> \u2013 The final point being proven, logically derived from the premises.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p data-start=\"326\" data-end=\"447\" data-is-last-node=\"\">In summary, an argument includes a <strong>claim<\/strong> clearly supported by <strong data-start=\"196\" data-end=\"208\">premises<\/strong> that lead to a <strong data-start=\"224\" data-end=\"238\">conclusion<\/strong>. It is a statement of fact or opinion that is based on evidence, or premises.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n<p data-start=\"156\" data-end=\"338\">Understanding these components will help you analyze and construct logical arguments in writing.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"textbox shaded\"><strong>PRO TIP:<\/strong> Keep in mind that not all statements are arguments, and some statements may contain multiple arguments.<\/div>\r\n<h3 data-start=\"156\" data-end=\"338\">Claims<\/h3>\r\nA <strong data-start=\"364\" data-end=\"373\">claim<\/strong> is a statement or opinion about a topic. It is also called a <strong data-start=\"435\" data-end=\"448\">statement<\/strong> or <strong data-start=\"452\" data-end=\"467\">proposition<\/strong>. A claim alone is not a complete argument\u2014it needs support to be persuasive.\r\n<div class=\"textbox examples\">\r\n<h3>Example: Claims<\/h3>\r\n<p data-start=\"548\" data-end=\"573\">Examples of claims:<\/p>\r\n\r\n<ul data-start=\"574\" data-end=\"728\">\r\n \t<li data-start=\"574\" data-end=\"599\"><em data-start=\"69\" data-end=\"98\">Pineapple belongs on pizza.<\/em><\/li>\r\n \t<li data-start=\"600\" data-end=\"668\"><em data-start=\"602\" data-end=\"666\">The Los Angeles Chargers have the potential to make the NFL playoffs.<\/em><\/li>\r\n \t<li data-start=\"669\" data-end=\"728\"><em data-start=\"55\" data-end=\"116\">Online learning is just as effective as in-person learning.<\/em><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p data-start=\"730\" data-end=\"842\">Each of these statements expresses an opinion or assertion, but they do not yet provide reasoning or evidence.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n<h3 data-start=\"868\" data-end=\"1011\">Premises<\/h3>\r\n<p data-start=\"868\" data-end=\"1011\">A <strong data-start=\"870\" data-end=\"881\">premise<\/strong> is a reason or piece of evidence that supports the claim. An argument must have at least one premise to justify its conclusion. Premises are often indicated by these words:<\/p>\r\n\r\n<ol style=\"list-style-type: lower-roman;\">\r\n \t<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\r\n<ol style=\"list-style-type: lower-roman;\">\r\n \t<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>because<\/li>\r\n \t<li>for<\/li>\r\n \t<li>as<\/li>\r\n \t<li>since<\/li>\r\n \t<li>inasmuch as<\/li>\r\n \t<li>as shown by<\/li>\r\n \t<li>given that<\/li>\r\n \t<li>as indicated by<\/li>\r\n \t<li>the reason is that<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n<div class=\"textbox examples\">\r\n<h3>Example: Premise<\/h3>\r\n<p data-start=\"1013\" data-end=\"1165\">Here is an example of a claim, and a premise that supports it.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li data-start=\"1013\" data-end=\"1165\"><strong>Claim:<\/strong> <em data-start=\"1035\" data-end=\"1099\">The Los Angeles Chargers have the potential to make the NFL playoffs.<\/em><\/li>\r\n \t<li data-start=\"1013\" data-end=\"1165\"><strong>Premise:<\/strong> <em>Because they have three of the best players in the league.<\/em><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p data-start=\"1167\" data-end=\"1226\">The premise provides a reason to believe the claim.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n<h3 data-start=\"1233\" data-end=\"1253\"><strong data-start=\"1237\" data-end=\"1251\">Conclusion<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n<p data-start=\"1255\" data-end=\"1375\">The <strong data-start=\"1259\" data-end=\"1273\">conclusion<\/strong> can be thought of as the main idea of the argument, the point being proven, or the \"so what?\" of the argument. It is the logical outcome of the premises. To identify a conclusion in an argument:<\/p>\r\n\r\n<ol data-start=\"2051\" data-end=\"2420\">\r\n \t<li data-start=\"2051\" data-end=\"2148\"><strong data-start=\"2054\" data-end=\"2071\">Ask yourself:<\/strong> <em data-start=\"2072\" data-end=\"2146\">Is this statement the main point, or is it supporting another statement?<\/em><\/li>\r\n \t<li data-start=\"2149\" data-end=\"2420\"><strong data-start=\"2152\" data-end=\"2180\">Look for indicator words<\/strong> that signal a conclusion:\r\n<ul data-start=\"2212\" data-end=\"2420\">\r\n \t<li data-start=\"2212\" data-end=\"2227\"><em data-start=\"2214\" data-end=\"2225\">Therefore<\/em><\/li>\r\n \t<li data-start=\"2231\" data-end=\"2241\"><em data-start=\"2233\" data-end=\"2239\">Thus<\/em><\/li>\r\n \t<li data-start=\"2245\" data-end=\"2261\"><em data-start=\"2247\" data-end=\"2259\">This means<\/em><\/li>\r\n \t<li data-start=\"2265\" data-end=\"2282\"><em data-start=\"2267\" data-end=\"2280\">As a result<\/em><\/li>\r\n \t<li data-start=\"2286\" data-end=\"2307\"><em data-start=\"2288\" data-end=\"2305\">It follows that<\/em><\/li>\r\n \t<li data-start=\"2311\" data-end=\"2327\"><em data-start=\"2313\" data-end=\"2325\">That's why<\/em><\/li>\r\n \t<li data-start=\"2331\" data-end=\"2350\"><em data-start=\"2333\" data-end=\"2348\">This suggests<\/em><\/li>\r\n \t<li data-start=\"2354\" data-end=\"2372\"><em data-start=\"2356\" data-end=\"2370\">Consequently<\/em><\/li>\r\n \t<li data-start=\"2376\" data-end=\"2387\"><em data-start=\"2378\" data-end=\"2385\">Hence<\/em><\/li>\r\n \t<li data-start=\"2391\" data-end=\"2399\"><em data-start=\"2393\" data-end=\"2397\">So<\/em><\/li>\r\n \t<li data-start=\"2403\" data-end=\"2420\"><em data-start=\"2405\" data-end=\"2418\">Accordingly<\/em><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n<div class=\"textbox examples\">\r\n<h3>Examples: Complete arguments<\/h3>\r\nThe following is an example of a complete argument, with a claim, premise, and conclusion:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><strong data-start=\"44\" data-end=\"54\">Claim:<\/strong> <em data-start=\"55\" data-end=\"116\">Online learning is just as effective as in-person learning.<\/em><\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong data-start=\"121\" data-end=\"133\">Premise:<\/strong> <em data-start=\"134\" data-end=\"283\">Studies show that students in online courses perform as well as those in traditional classrooms when given access to quality materials and support.<\/em><\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong data-start=\"288\" data-end=\"303\">Conclusion:<\/strong> <em data-start=\"304\" data-end=\"398\">Therefore, online education should be considered a viable alternative to in-person learning.<\/em><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nHere's another example:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li data-start=\"56\" data-end=\"100\"><strong data-start=\"58\" data-end=\"68\">Claim:<\/strong> <em data-start=\"69\" data-end=\"98\">Pineapple belongs on pizza.<\/em><\/li>\r\n \t<li data-start=\"101\" data-end=\"241\"><strong data-start=\"103\" data-end=\"115\">Premise:<\/strong> <em data-start=\"116\" data-end=\"239\">The combination of sweet and savory flavors is a well-established culinary technique, and many people enjoy the contrast.<\/em><\/li>\r\n \t<li data-start=\"242\" data-end=\"339\"><strong data-start=\"244\" data-end=\"259\">Conclusion:<\/strong> <em data-start=\"260\" data-end=\"337\">Therefore, pineapple is a perfectly acceptable and delicious pizza topping.<\/em><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nEach of these statements presents an <strong data-start=\"1791\" data-end=\"1804\">assertion<\/strong> (<em data-start=\"1806\" data-end=\"1813\">claim<\/em>), supports it with a <strong data-start=\"1835\" data-end=\"1846\">premise<\/strong>, and arrives at a <strong data-start=\"1865\" data-end=\"1879\">conclusion<\/strong>.\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n<div>\r\n<div class=\"textbox tryit\">\r\n<h3>Try It<\/h3>\r\nhttps:\/\/assess.lumenlearning.com\/practice\/2df0d14f-1946-4438-98b5-b0589cbeeed4\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<div class=\"textbox exercises\">\r\n<h3>Watch IT<\/h3>\r\nThis video explains the components of an argument.\r\n\r\n<iframe src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/Nq8-w2BAJkU\" width=\"800\" height=\"470\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"><\/iframe>\r\n\r\nYou can view the <a href=\"https:\/\/course-building.s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/English+Comp\/Transcripts\/WhatisanArgument%3F_transcript.txt\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">transcript for \"What is an Argument?\" here (opens in new window)<\/a>.\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n<div class=\"textbox tryit\">\r\n<h3>Try It<\/h3>\r\nhttps:\/\/assess.lumenlearning.com\/practice\/581c8d3d-fb38-49a0-81e7-407be8735a9d\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n<h3>Practice identifying the premises and conclusions<\/h3>\r\nIn order to identify the premises and conclusion, you should first rewrite the argument in standard form. You do this by identifying which claim is the conclusion, then working backward to identify which claims are premises that support the conclusion. It should look like this:\r\n<div>\r\n<table style=\"width: 430px; height: 48px;\">\r\n<tbody>\r\n<tr style=\"height: 12px;\">\r\n<td style=\"width: 416.5px; height: 12px;\" colspan=\"2\"><strong>Standard Form<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr style=\"height: 12px;\">\r\n<td style=\"width: 395.5px; height: 12px;\">Premise 1:<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 8.5px; height: 12px;\"><\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr style=\"height: 12px;\">\r\n<td style=\"width: 395.5px; height: 12px;\">Premise 2:<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 8.5px; height: 12px;\"><\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr style=\"height: 12px;\">\r\n<td style=\"width: 395.5px; height: 12px;\">Conclusion:<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 8.5px; height: 12px;\"><\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2139\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"644\"]<img class=\"wp-image-2139\" src=\"https:\/\/s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/courses-images\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4975\/2020\/02\/19124336\/Argument-diagram.png\" alt=\"Argument visually broken down into premise 1 and premise 2, then conclusion. Public libraries provide learning resources for all ages is the first premise, then they provide spaces for people to read, study, and gather is the second premise. The conclusion is that public libraries should be funded in every community.\" width=\"644\" height=\"644\" \/> <strong>Figure 1<\/strong>. Breaking down an argument into the standard form can help you identify the premises and conclusion.[\/caption]\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n<div class=\"textbox tryit\">\r\n<h3>Try It<\/h3>\r\nClick through the following presentation for some review and additional practice in identifying premises and conclusions.\r\n\r\n<iframe src=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/presentation\/d\/e\/2PACX-1vR5VhWSjOqoRtcQwsbTBkXsRD9OZa-qnjI5HR9ZSUvQf4Ieawxw93B3LoGg191FGWo2K8QiEsSIcCg4\/embed?start=false&amp;loop=false&amp;delayms=3000\" width=\"960\" height=\"749\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe>\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n<h2>Evaluating Arguments<\/h2>\r\nA formal argument may be set up so that, on its face, it looks logical. However, no matter how well-constructed the argument is, the premises must be true or any inferences based on the premises will be unsound.\r\n\r\nOne way to test the accuracy of a premise is to determine whether the premise is based upon a sample that is both representative and sufficiently large, and ask yourself whether all relevant factors have been taken into account in the analysis of data that leads to a generalization. Another way to evaluate a premise is to determine whether its source is credible. Are the authors identified? What is their background? Was the premise something you found on an undocumented website? Did you find it in a popular publication or a scholarly one? How complete, how recent, and how relevant were the studies or statistics discussed in the source? Take all of these things into consideration when evaluating an argument.\r\n<div class=\"textbox learning-objectives\">\r\n<h3>Glossary<\/h3>\r\n<strong>argument<\/strong>: a claim containing premises which support a conclusion.\r\n\r\n<strong>claim<\/strong>: a statement or opinion that is either true or false\r\n\r\n<strong>conclusion<\/strong>: the main claim in an argument that each premise supports.\r\n\r\n<strong>premises<\/strong>: claims that support an argument\u2019s conclusion\r\n\r\n<\/div>","rendered":"<div class=\"textbox learning-objectives\">\n<h3>Learning Objectives<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>Examine the elements of an argument<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<h2>Logical Arguments<\/h2>\n<div class=\"flex max-w-full flex-col flex-grow\">\n<div class=\"min-h-8 text-message flex w-full flex-col items-end gap-2 whitespace-normal break-words text-start [.text-message+&amp;]:mt-5\" dir=\"auto\" data-message-author-role=\"assistant\" data-message-id=\"b8d47ae3-e360-4cbb-970d-319186469d58\" data-message-model-slug=\"gpt-4o\">\n<div class=\"flex w-full flex-col gap-1 empty:hidden first:pt-[3px]\">\n<div class=\"markdown prose w-full break-words dark:prose-invert dark\">\n<p data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"379\" data-is-last-node=\"\">Any persuasive writing likely includes a <strong data-start=\"41\" data-end=\"61\">logical argument<\/strong> to support its claims. Philosophers study arguments in depth, analyzing reasoning, logic, and validity. While you won\u2019t examine arguments as deeply in an English course as in Philosophy or Logic, you should still be familiar with key components of argumentation. Knowing the basic elements of an argument will help you identify the logic behind any arguments you read and also help you construct effective arguments in your own writing.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2 data-start=\"121\" data-end=\"154\"><strong data-start=\"125\" data-end=\"152\">Elements of an Argument<\/strong><\/h2>\n<div class=\"textbox key-takeaways\">\n<h3>Key Takeaway: Elements of an argument<\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"105\">An <strong data-start=\"3\" data-end=\"15\">argument<\/strong> is a structured way of presenting reasoning to support a point of view. It consists of:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"107\" data-end=\"324\">\n<li data-start=\"107\" data-end=\"166\"><strong data-start=\"109\" data-end=\"118\">Claim<\/strong> \u2013 The main assertion or opinion being argued.<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"167\" data-end=\"236\"><strong data-start=\"169\" data-end=\"181\">Premises<\/strong> \u2013 The evidence or reasoning that supports the claim.<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"237\" data-end=\"324\"><strong data-start=\"239\" data-end=\"253\">Conclusion<\/strong> \u2013 The final point being proven, logically derived from the premises.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"326\" data-end=\"447\" data-is-last-node=\"\">In summary, an argument includes a <strong>claim<\/strong> clearly supported by <strong data-start=\"196\" data-end=\"208\">premises<\/strong> that lead to a <strong data-start=\"224\" data-end=\"238\">conclusion<\/strong>. It is a statement of fact or opinion that is based on evidence, or premises.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p data-start=\"156\" data-end=\"338\">Understanding these components will help you analyze and construct logical arguments in writing.<\/p>\n<div class=\"textbox shaded\"><strong>PRO TIP:<\/strong> Keep in mind that not all statements are arguments, and some statements may contain multiple arguments.<\/div>\n<h3 data-start=\"156\" data-end=\"338\">Claims<\/h3>\n<p>A <strong data-start=\"364\" data-end=\"373\">claim<\/strong> is a statement or opinion about a topic. It is also called a <strong data-start=\"435\" data-end=\"448\">statement<\/strong> or <strong data-start=\"452\" data-end=\"467\">proposition<\/strong>. A claim alone is not a complete argument\u2014it needs support to be persuasive.<\/p>\n<div class=\"textbox examples\">\n<h3>Example: Claims<\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"548\" data-end=\"573\">Examples of claims:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"574\" data-end=\"728\">\n<li data-start=\"574\" data-end=\"599\"><em data-start=\"69\" data-end=\"98\">Pineapple belongs on pizza.<\/em><\/li>\n<li data-start=\"600\" data-end=\"668\"><em data-start=\"602\" data-end=\"666\">The Los Angeles Chargers have the potential to make the NFL playoffs.<\/em><\/li>\n<li data-start=\"669\" data-end=\"728\"><em data-start=\"55\" data-end=\"116\">Online learning is just as effective as in-person learning.<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"730\" data-end=\"842\">Each of these statements expresses an opinion or assertion, but they do not yet provide reasoning or evidence.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<h3 data-start=\"868\" data-end=\"1011\">Premises<\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"868\" data-end=\"1011\">A <strong data-start=\"870\" data-end=\"881\">premise<\/strong> is a reason or piece of evidence that supports the claim. An argument must have at least one premise to justify its conclusion. Premises are often indicated by these words:<\/p>\n<ol style=\"list-style-type: lower-roman;\">\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ol style=\"list-style-type: lower-roman;\">\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n<li>because<\/li>\n<li>for<\/li>\n<li>as<\/li>\n<li>since<\/li>\n<li>inasmuch as<\/li>\n<li>as shown by<\/li>\n<li>given that<\/li>\n<li>as indicated by<\/li>\n<li>the reason is that<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<div class=\"textbox examples\">\n<h3>Example: Premise<\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"1013\" data-end=\"1165\">Here is an example of a claim, and a premise that supports it.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-start=\"1013\" data-end=\"1165\"><strong>Claim:<\/strong> <em data-start=\"1035\" data-end=\"1099\">The Los Angeles Chargers have the potential to make the NFL playoffs.<\/em><\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1013\" data-end=\"1165\"><strong>Premise:<\/strong> <em>Because they have three of the best players in the league.<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"1167\" data-end=\"1226\">The premise provides a reason to believe the claim.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<h3 data-start=\"1233\" data-end=\"1253\"><strong data-start=\"1237\" data-end=\"1251\">Conclusion<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"1255\" data-end=\"1375\">The <strong data-start=\"1259\" data-end=\"1273\">conclusion<\/strong> can be thought of as the main idea of the argument, the point being proven, or the &#8220;so what?&#8221; of the argument. It is the logical outcome of the premises. To identify a conclusion in an argument:<\/p>\n<ol data-start=\"2051\" data-end=\"2420\">\n<li data-start=\"2051\" data-end=\"2148\"><strong data-start=\"2054\" data-end=\"2071\">Ask yourself:<\/strong> <em data-start=\"2072\" data-end=\"2146\">Is this statement the main point, or is it supporting another statement?<\/em><\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2149\" data-end=\"2420\"><strong data-start=\"2152\" data-end=\"2180\">Look for indicator words<\/strong> that signal a conclusion:\n<ul data-start=\"2212\" data-end=\"2420\">\n<li data-start=\"2212\" data-end=\"2227\"><em data-start=\"2214\" data-end=\"2225\">Therefore<\/em><\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2231\" data-end=\"2241\"><em data-start=\"2233\" data-end=\"2239\">Thus<\/em><\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2245\" data-end=\"2261\"><em data-start=\"2247\" data-end=\"2259\">This means<\/em><\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2265\" data-end=\"2282\"><em data-start=\"2267\" data-end=\"2280\">As a result<\/em><\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2286\" data-end=\"2307\"><em data-start=\"2288\" data-end=\"2305\">It follows that<\/em><\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2311\" data-end=\"2327\"><em data-start=\"2313\" data-end=\"2325\">That&#8217;s why<\/em><\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2331\" data-end=\"2350\"><em data-start=\"2333\" data-end=\"2348\">This suggests<\/em><\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2354\" data-end=\"2372\"><em data-start=\"2356\" data-end=\"2370\">Consequently<\/em><\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2376\" data-end=\"2387\"><em data-start=\"2378\" data-end=\"2385\">Hence<\/em><\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2391\" data-end=\"2399\"><em data-start=\"2393\" data-end=\"2397\">So<\/em><\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2403\" data-end=\"2420\"><em data-start=\"2405\" data-end=\"2418\">Accordingly<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<div class=\"textbox examples\">\n<h3>Examples: Complete arguments<\/h3>\n<p>The following is an example of a complete argument, with a claim, premise, and conclusion:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong data-start=\"44\" data-end=\"54\">Claim:<\/strong> <em data-start=\"55\" data-end=\"116\">Online learning is just as effective as in-person learning.<\/em><\/li>\n<li><strong data-start=\"121\" data-end=\"133\">Premise:<\/strong> <em data-start=\"134\" data-end=\"283\">Studies show that students in online courses perform as well as those in traditional classrooms when given access to quality materials and support.<\/em><\/li>\n<li><strong data-start=\"288\" data-end=\"303\">Conclusion:<\/strong> <em data-start=\"304\" data-end=\"398\">Therefore, online education should be considered a viable alternative to in-person learning.<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Here&#8217;s another example:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-start=\"56\" data-end=\"100\"><strong data-start=\"58\" data-end=\"68\">Claim:<\/strong> <em data-start=\"69\" data-end=\"98\">Pineapple belongs on pizza.<\/em><\/li>\n<li data-start=\"101\" data-end=\"241\"><strong data-start=\"103\" data-end=\"115\">Premise:<\/strong> <em data-start=\"116\" data-end=\"239\">The combination of sweet and savory flavors is a well-established culinary technique, and many people enjoy the contrast.<\/em><\/li>\n<li data-start=\"242\" data-end=\"339\"><strong data-start=\"244\" data-end=\"259\">Conclusion:<\/strong> <em data-start=\"260\" data-end=\"337\">Therefore, pineapple is a perfectly acceptable and delicious pizza topping.<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Each of these statements presents an <strong data-start=\"1791\" data-end=\"1804\">assertion<\/strong> (<em data-start=\"1806\" data-end=\"1813\">claim<\/em>), supports it with a <strong data-start=\"1835\" data-end=\"1846\">premise<\/strong>, and arrives at a <strong data-start=\"1865\" data-end=\"1879\">conclusion<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"textbox tryit\">\n<h3>Try It<\/h3>\n<p>\t<iframe id=\"assessment_practice_2df0d14f-1946-4438-98b5-b0589cbeeed4\" class=\"resizable\" src=\"https:\/\/assess.lumenlearning.com\/practice\/2df0d14f-1946-4438-98b5-b0589cbeeed4?iframe_resize_id=assessment_practice_id_2df0d14f-1946-4438-98b5-b0589cbeeed4\" frameborder=\"0\" style=\"border:none;width:100%;height:100%;min-height:300px;\"><br \/>\n\t<\/iframe><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"textbox exercises\">\n<h3>Watch IT<\/h3>\n<p>This video explains the components of an argument.<\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/Nq8-w2BAJkU\" width=\"800\" height=\"470\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p>You can view the <a href=\"https:\/\/course-building.s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/English+Comp\/Transcripts\/WhatisanArgument%3F_transcript.txt\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">transcript for &#8220;What is an Argument?&#8221; here (opens in new window)<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"textbox tryit\">\n<h3>Try It<\/h3>\n<p>\t<iframe id=\"assessment_practice_581c8d3d-fb38-49a0-81e7-407be8735a9d\" class=\"resizable\" src=\"https:\/\/assess.lumenlearning.com\/practice\/581c8d3d-fb38-49a0-81e7-407be8735a9d?iframe_resize_id=assessment_practice_id_581c8d3d-fb38-49a0-81e7-407be8735a9d\" frameborder=\"0\" style=\"border:none;width:100%;height:100%;min-height:300px;\"><br \/>\n\t<\/iframe><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<h3>Practice identifying the premises and conclusions<\/h3>\n<p>In order to identify the premises and conclusion, you should first rewrite the argument in standard form. You do this by identifying which claim is the conclusion, then working backward to identify which claims are premises that support the conclusion. It should look like this:<\/p>\n<div>\n<table style=\"width: 430px; height: 48px;\">\n<tbody>\n<tr style=\"height: 12px;\">\n<td style=\"width: 416.5px; height: 12px;\" colspan=\"2\"><strong>Standard Form<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"height: 12px;\">\n<td style=\"width: 395.5px; height: 12px;\">Premise 1:<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 8.5px; height: 12px;\"><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"height: 12px;\">\n<td style=\"width: 395.5px; height: 12px;\">Premise 2:<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 8.5px; height: 12px;\"><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"height: 12px;\">\n<td style=\"width: 395.5px; height: 12px;\">Conclusion:<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 8.5px; height: 12px;\"><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<div id=\"attachment_2139\" style=\"width: 654px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-2139\" class=\"wp-image-2139\" src=\"https:\/\/s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com\/courses-images\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4975\/2020\/02\/19124336\/Argument-diagram.png\" alt=\"Argument visually broken down into premise 1 and premise 2, then conclusion. Public libraries provide learning resources for all ages is the first premise, then they provide spaces for people to read, study, and gather is the second premise. The conclusion is that public libraries should be funded in every community.\" width=\"644\" height=\"644\" \/><\/p>\n<p id=\"caption-attachment-2139\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><strong>Figure 1<\/strong>. Breaking down an argument into the standard form can help you identify the premises and conclusion.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"textbox tryit\">\n<h3>Try It<\/h3>\n<p>Click through the following presentation for some review and additional practice in identifying premises and conclusions.<\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/presentation\/d\/e\/2PACX-1vR5VhWSjOqoRtcQwsbTBkXsRD9OZa-qnjI5HR9ZSUvQf4Ieawxw93B3LoGg191FGWo2K8QiEsSIcCg4\/embed?start=false&amp;loop=false&amp;delayms=3000\" width=\"960\" height=\"749\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<h2>Evaluating Arguments<\/h2>\n<p>A formal argument may be set up so that, on its face, it looks logical. However, no matter how well-constructed the argument is, the premises must be true or any inferences based on the premises will be unsound.<\/p>\n<p>One way to test the accuracy of a premise is to determine whether the premise is based upon a sample that is both representative and sufficiently large, and ask yourself whether all relevant factors have been taken into account in the analysis of data that leads to a generalization. Another way to evaluate a premise is to determine whether its source is credible. Are the authors identified? What is their background? Was the premise something you found on an undocumented website? Did you find it in a popular publication or a scholarly one? How complete, how recent, and how relevant were the studies or statistics discussed in the source? Take all of these things into consideration when evaluating an argument.<\/p>\n<div class=\"textbox learning-objectives\">\n<h3>Glossary<\/h3>\n<p><strong>argument<\/strong>: a claim containing premises which support a conclusion.<\/p>\n<p><strong>claim<\/strong>: a statement or opinion that is either true or false<\/p>\n<p><strong>conclusion<\/strong>: the main claim in an argument that each premise supports.<\/p>\n<p><strong>premises<\/strong>: claims that support an argument\u2019s conclusion<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t <section class=\"citations-section\" role=\"contentinfo\">\n\t\t\t <h3>Candela Citations<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t <div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t <div id=\"citation-list-1696\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t <div class=\"licensing\"><div class=\"license-attribution-dropdown-subheading\">CC licensed content, Original<\/div><ul class=\"citation-list\"><li>Modification, adaptation, and original content. <strong>Provided by<\/strong>: Lumen Learning. <strong>License<\/strong>: <em><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"license\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/4.0\/\">CC BY: Attribution<\/a><\/em><\/li><li>Modification, adaptation, and original content. <strong>Provided by<\/strong>: Lumen Learning. <strong>License<\/strong>: <em><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"license\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/4.0\/\">CC BY: Attribution<\/a><\/em><\/li><\/ul><div class=\"license-attribution-dropdown-subheading\">CC licensed content, Shared previously<\/div><ul class=\"citation-list\"><li>Understanding Logical Argumentation, Structure, and Reasoning, modified. <strong>Authored by<\/strong>: mrbelprez. <strong>Located at<\/strong>: <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/www.slideshare.net\/mrbelprez\/part-2-5-fixed-all-sections-2014-logic-and-argumentation\">http:\/\/www.slideshare.net\/mrbelprez\/part-2-5-fixed-all-sections-2014-logic-and-argumentation<\/a>. <strong>License<\/strong>: <em><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"license\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-sa\/4.0\/\">CC BY-SA: Attribution-ShareAlike<\/a><\/em><\/li><li>The Argument Diagram. <strong>Authored by<\/strong>: Kirsten Devries . <strong>Provided by<\/strong>: Let&#039;s Get Writing. <strong>Located at<\/strong>: <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/viva.pressbooks.pub\/letsgetwriting\/chapter\/chapter-3-argument\/\">https:\/\/viva.pressbooks.pub\/letsgetwriting\/chapter\/chapter-3-argument\/<\/a>. <strong>License<\/strong>: <em><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"license\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/4.0\/\">CC BY-NC-SA: Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike<\/a><\/em><\/li><\/ul><div class=\"license-attribution-dropdown-subheading\">All rights reserved content<\/div><ul class=\"citation-list\"><li>What is an Argument?. <strong>Authored by<\/strong>: Kevin deLaplante. <strong>Located at<\/strong>: <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=Nq8-w2BAJkU&#038;feature=youtu.be\">https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=Nq8-w2BAJkU&#038;feature=youtu.be<\/a>. <strong>License<\/strong>: <em>Other<\/em>. <strong>License Terms<\/strong>: Standard YouTube License<\/li><\/ul><div class=\"license-attribution-dropdown-subheading\">Public domain content<\/div><ul class=\"citation-list\"><li>The Logical Structure of Arguments. <strong>Authored by<\/strong>: Radford University. <strong>Located at<\/strong>: <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/lcubbison.pressbooks.com\/chapter\/core-201-analyzing-arguments\/\">http:\/\/lcubbison.pressbooks.com\/chapter\/core-201-analyzing-arguments\/<\/a>. <strong>License<\/strong>: <em><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"license\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/about\/pdm\">Public Domain: No Known Copyright<\/a><\/em><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t <\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t <\/div>\n\t\t\t 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