MODR 1770 Chapter : Modr 1770 Ch 3

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pinkcrocodile505

14 Dec 2011

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Document Summary

The structure of arguments: the key to argument is that we can have premises that support our claim (conclusion) Standardizing arguments: standardizing the argument entails deciding on the key structure of the argument (so which part makes the conclusion and which is the premise, ex: Standardizing and the principal of charity: principal of charity: one should choose the most favorable interpretation of an argument consistent with the actual argument content. The principal is used to discourage us from inaccurately interpreting someones argument, just because we disagree with that person. Just bc you are interpreting the argument, does not mean that the argument is a good argument, nor that you should help to make it better. So overall to follow this principal, do not put extra words in the arguers mouth, just understand and interpret what they are saying as is. Sub-arguments: sub-arguments created different conclusions of premises in the argument; support for premises by other premises.

Related Questions

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.