For example, consider the following argument:
"Measles can't be cured by antibiotics, since Measles is caused by a virus, and antibiotics can't cure a viral infection."
We can see that the argument contains the word "since," which is a premise indicator. We know that what follows "since" will be the premises. We also know, through the process of elimination, that what precedes the word "since" is the conclusion. So my standardized argument will look like this:
1) Measles is caused by a virus. 2) Antibiotics can't cure a viral infection. therefore, 3) Measles can't be cured by antibiotics.
Now we can see the relationship of support between the premises and conclusion. We are asked to accept the conclusion, "Measles can't be cured by antibiotics," based on the two supporting premises. Notice that all of the premises and the conclusion are statements, that is, complete sentences that are either true or false. Also, notice that the premise indicator "since" has been omitted. We always omit premises and conclusion indicators when putting arguments into standard form and make sure that the components of our argument are statements, that is, complete sentences that are either true or false.
For credit on this assignment, do the following:
1) Put the following arguments into standard form:
a) "All dogs are carnivores, consequently, Max is a carnivore, for the reason that Max is a dog."
b) "Rebecca does not pray at the mosque, for she is not a Muslim and only Muslims pray at the mosque."
c) "To every existing thing God wills some good. Hence, since to love any thing is nothing else than to will good to that thing, it is manifest that God loves everything that exists."
2) Create your own argument:
a) Construct an argument of your own using two different premise indicators and one conclusion indicator with the following conclusion: "Now, more than ever, everyone needs to take a class in logic."
b) Then put the argument into standard form.
