Chapter 2 – Recognizing Arguments

What is an argument? – Identifying Premises and Conclusions

Take note guys, as an introduction to the new chapter, please understand that skeletal parts of an argument consists of premises and conclusions. If the argument is a complex one, there may be subconclusions that will ultimately produce a bigger and stronger conclusion.

Here is an example pf a simple argument:

Premise I – Most flowers smell nice

Premise II – Rose is a flower

Conclusion – Most likely, a rose smells nice

Premise and Conclusion Indicators

Premises and conclusions are differentiated by the indicators shown in a passage/text. The examples of each are as follows:

Premise indicators - since, for, judging from, as, because, given that, as indicated by, etc.

Conclusion Indicator – therefore, so, hence, thus, consequently, implies that, for this reason, it follows that, etc.