Logic - Arguments

• Define Logic.

  The study of rational arguments. Provides an underlying sense of order for philosophical discourse.
• Define Statement.

  A sentence or phrase that is either true or false. In other words, it can be proven or disproven.
• What are classified as "Not Statements?"

  Questions, Proposals, Suggestions, Commands, & Exclamations.
• Define Argument.

  A group of statements, one or more of which are claimed to provide support for, or reasons to believe a point. Or more succinctly... a group of statements which make a claim and provide support for it.

  • Arguments can ONLY come from statements.
• What makes an Argument?

  1. Someone must be asserting (claiming) something for it to be an argument.
  2. The assertion (or claim) must provide reason to believe it.
• What are the parts of an argument?

  Premise & Conclusion
• Define Premise.

  Statement that sets forth the reasons or evidence to believe the conclusion. Aka supporting statements (they're supporting the claim).

  • Major & Minor Premises
  • 1st Statement - Major Premise
  • 2nd Statement - Minor Premise
• Define Conclusion.

  Statement that premises intend to support.

  • Also could be defined as the assertion or the point being made.
• Define Syllogism.

  The basic form of using premises and conclusions to make an argument.

  • If-Then Statement
  • If & And = Premises
  • Then = Conclusion