PHL 214 Chapter 2: Week 2- Pinning Down Argument Structure
Document Summary
To standardize an argument is to set out its premises and conclusion in clear statements with the premises preceding the conclusion, using numbers for each. Standardization is useful because it enables us to identify conclusions, premises, and indicator words. Subarguments may be given to defend premises. A subargument is a subordinate argument that is a component of a larger argument, which can be called the whole argument. Example: a computer has no freedom of action (premise of subargument) Thus: a computer cannot deliberately break rules (conclusion of subargument/premise of main argument, cheating requires deliberately breaking rules (premise) Another argumentative structure is one in which the same premise or premises may be used to establish two distinct conclusions. When a premise is introduced and followed with the statement from this is follows that it indicates that there are going to be two separate conclusions. 1 > 2 > 3 > 4 > x.
