4.2: Reconstructing and analyzing arguments
- Page ID
- 214249
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\(\newcommand{\avec}{\mathbf a}\) \(\newcommand{\bvec}{\mathbf b}\) \(\newcommand{\cvec}{\mathbf c}\) \(\newcommand{\dvec}{\mathbf d}\) \(\newcommand{\dtil}{\widetilde{\mathbf d}}\) \(\newcommand{\evec}{\mathbf e}\) \(\newcommand{\fvec}{\mathbf f}\) \(\newcommand{\nvec}{\mathbf n}\) \(\newcommand{\pvec}{\mathbf p}\) \(\newcommand{\qvec}{\mathbf q}\) \(\newcommand{\svec}{\mathbf s}\) \(\newcommand{\tvec}{\mathbf t}\) \(\newcommand{\uvec}{\mathbf u}\) \(\newcommand{\vvec}{\mathbf v}\) \(\newcommand{\wvec}{\mathbf w}\) \(\newcommand{\xvec}{\mathbf x}\) \(\newcommand{\yvec}{\mathbf y}\) \(\newcommand{\zvec}{\mathbf z}\) \(\newcommand{\rvec}{\mathbf r}\) \(\newcommand{\mvec}{\mathbf m}\) \(\newcommand{\zerovec}{\mathbf 0}\) \(\newcommand{\onevec}{\mathbf 1}\) \(\newcommand{\real}{\mathbb R}\) \(\newcommand{\twovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\ctwovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\threevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cthreevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\mattwo}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{rr}#1 \amp #2 \\ #3 \amp #4 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\laspan}[1]{\text{Span}\{#1\}}\) \(\newcommand{\bcal}{\cal B}\) \(\newcommand{\ccal}{\cal C}\) \(\newcommand{\scal}{\cal S}\) \(\newcommand{\wcal}{\cal W}\) \(\newcommand{\ecal}{\cal E}\) \(\newcommand{\coords}[2]{\left\{#1\right\}_{#2}}\) \(\newcommand{\gray}[1]{\color{gray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\lgray}[1]{\color{lightgray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\rank}{\operatorname{rank}}\) \(\newcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\col}{\text{Col}}\) \(\renewcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\nul}{\text{Nul}}\) \(\newcommand{\var}{\text{Var}}\) \(\newcommand{\corr}{\text{corr}}\) \(\newcommand{\len}[1]{\left|#1\right|}\) \(\newcommand{\bbar}{\overline{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bhat}{\widehat{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bperp}{\bvec^\perp}\) \(\newcommand{\xhat}{\widehat{\xvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\vhat}{\widehat{\vvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\uhat}{\widehat{\uvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\what}{\widehat{\wvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\Sighat}{\widehat{\Sigma}}\) \(\newcommand{\lt}{<}\) \(\newcommand{\gt}{>}\) \(\newcommand{\amp}{&}\) \(\definecolor{fillinmathshade}{gray}{0.9}\)Reconstructing and analyzing arguments
Summary:
Understanding and analyzing arguments is crucial in developing critical thinking skills. This section focuses on identifying the components of an argument, distinguishing arguments from explanations, and evaluating the validity and soundness of arguments. By mastering these skills, students can effectively assess the strength of various claims and improve their reasoning abilities.
Section Learning Objectives
- Understand the premise and conclusion of an argument.
- Describe the difference between an argument and an explanation.
- Understand what makes a valid argument.
What is an Argument?
- Definition: An argument is a set of statements where some statements (premises) provide reasons for thinking another statement (conclusion) is true.
- Components:
- Premise: A statement providing reason or support.
- Conclusion: A statement that premises aim to support.
Argument vs. Explanation
- Argument: Provides reasons to believe a claim is true.
- Example: "Abortion is morally wrong because it is wrong to take the life of an innocent human being, and a fetus is an innocent human being."
- Structure:
- It is morally wrong to take the life of an innocent human being.
- A fetus is an innocent human being.
- Therefore, abortion is morally wrong.
- Explanation: Describes why or how something is the case, without necessarily arguing for its truth.
Validity in Arguments
- Valid Argument: If premises are true, the conclusion must be true.
- Sound Argument: Valid argument with true premises.
Identifying Statements
- Statement: Can be true or false (e.g., "The Nile is a river in northeastern Africa").
- Non-Statement: Cannot be true or false (e.g., commands, questions).
Real-World Example: Climate Change Argument
- Argument:
- Premise: Human activities release large amounts of greenhouse gases.
- Premise: Greenhouse gases trap heat in the atmosphere.
- Conclusion: Human activities contribute to global warming.
- This argument provides premises that support the conclusion logically, illustrating critical thinking in assessing environmental issues.
Exercise
Identify which of the following are statements:
- No one understands me but you. (Statement)
- Alligators are on average larger than crocodiles. (Statement)
- Is an alligator a reptile or a mammal? (Non-statement)
- An alligator is either a reptile or a mammal. (Statement)
- Don’t let any reptiles into the house. (Non-statement)
- You may kill any reptile you see in the house. (Non-statement)
- East Africans are not the best distance runners. (Statement)
- Obama is not a Democrat. (Statement)
- Some humans have wings. (Statement)
- Some things with wings cannot fly. (Statement)
- Was Obama born in Kenya or Hawaii? (Non-statement)
- Oh no! A grizzly bear! (Non-statement)
- Meet me in St. Louis. (Non-statement)
- We met in St. Louis yesterday. (Statement)
- I do not want to meet a grizzly bear in the wild. (Statement)
Conclusion:
By understanding the structure of arguments and distinguishing them from explanations, students can critically assess various claims. Evaluating the validity and soundness of arguments ensures logical consistency and truthfulness. Practicing these skills with real-world examples, such as climate change debates, enhances one's ability to apply critical thinking in practical situations. Mastering these techniques is essential for effective reasoning and informed decision-making in both academic and everyday contexts.
"Arguing Penguins" by Adam Arroyo is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.
Alt text for image: penguins arguing
"Abortion Protest" by daveynin is licensed under CC BY 2.0.
Alt text for image: abortion protest