Basics of an Argument

1
Basics of an Argument

• Weber State University
• Spring 2007

2
What is an argument?

• Argument is a set of assertoric statements
  where one statement is supported by the other
  statements.

3
What are the components of an argument?

• Conclusion (i.e., Thesis) the statement that is
  supported.
• Premise(s) the statements that do the
  supporting.

4
About premises

• Premises are assumptions.
• Assumptions can be warranted or unwarranted, that
  is defensible or not defensible.
• If the premises are warranted, then the argument
  is strong.
• If the premises are unwarranted, then the
  argument is weak.

5
Warranted v. Unwarranted Assumptions

• Warranted assumptions are those that we can
  decide whether or not the rest of the argument is
  on solid footing.
• Unwarranted assumptions are those that are
  questionable or without merit.

6
Persuasive v. Strength

• The strength of the premises determine whether
  the conclusion follows.
• A persuasive argument might occur when the
  premises are not strong, e.g., a threat, a
  celebritys testimonial, or appeal to popular
  belief.

7
Description v. Inference

• Description statements of fact, what is or what
  is not the case.
• Inference a conclusion drawn on the basis of a
  description or other sorts of evidence.

8
Facts

• Facts are actually the case
• Empirically verifiable use the five senses to
  determine the facts.
• True by definition the definition of a word
  confirms the facts.
• Factual judgments inferences drawn from earlier
  observations

9
Opinions

• Opinions general individual beliefs
• Conjectures statements based on perception,
  individual taste, or emotion.
• Reasoned speculation the conjecture of someone
  well versed in the area in question.
• Legal opinion in a legal context, opinions may
  be expressed as a formal statement, a ruling, or
  considered advice.

10
Ideas

• Ideas take the form of possible solutions,
  hypothses, intentions, plans of action, and
  theories