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Objective:
At the end of this topic, the student is expected to:
1. be able to expose and recognize arguments.
2. be able to identify non-arguments.
3. know how to diagram arguments.
Exposing the argument means to single out the conclusion from the premise or
premises. To distinguish the conclusion, we must identify the claim being
made. The reasons that back up the claim are called the premises.
Dogs are not reptiles since no mammal is a reptile and dogs are mammals.
If the national economy is really doing well that would mean an improved quality
of life for most poor people. Since there is really no significant improvement in
the life of most poor people, then, all news that the economy is doing well is
mere talk.
Since the time he became mayor, he has accumulated so much wealth and did
not stop working hard in order to stabilize the political situation.
Recognizing Arguments
One of the purposes of logic is to distinguish passages that contain argument
from those that do not. If a passage claims to prove something and there are
reasons presented as support for the claim, then there it is an
argument. Otherwise there is no argument. To determine whether passages
contain arguments or not, two conditions must be met.
a. there must be a statement claimed to be supported by evidence.
b. there must be a statement presenting the evidence or reasons for the claim.
Since Sweet broke up with Ed, many students have shifted to nursing.
Since Sweet broke up with Ed, she lost enthusiasm for studying.
The first is not an argument but the second is although both make use of the
premise indicator “since.” Remember that the key point is inference. The
statements must show that there is really a connection between the claim being
made and the support for the claims. We can outline the basic structure of the
argument:
Q because P
Identifying Non-arguments
Like wolves looking for preys, the terrorists plan their attacks with treachery.
Just as normal men would die without oxygen, so Baron would die without
smoking cigarettes.
One of the most well-known diseases in the present century and the leading
causes of men’s death is heart disease. Poor blood circulation leading to
abnormal heart beating and death of the heart muscle can be fatal.
For the third time, the impeachment complaint against the President was
dismissed because most of her allies voted against it.
Adult humans can eat solid foods, while infants cannot, because their stomachs
are more developed than the latter.
Cows can digest grass, while humans cannot, because their digestive systems
contain enzymes not found in humans.
Being at one with nature helps one attain peace of mind. Thus Edith Stein
often goes on hiking during weekends.
The Dean of the Law School was totally impressed by the professional
excellence of Atty. Balleber. I therefore recommend him to be the next Dean of
the College.
“The death toll from a bus bombing in a southern Philippine town rose to eight
yesterday, after three who were wounded died in the hospital overnight, police
said. The blast, which also wounded at least 14 people in Bansalan, Davao del
Sur Province, came about five minutes after a bomb went off inside a bus
owned by the same company in another southern city, causing little damage
and no injuries.” [Manila Bulletin, June 17, 2007]
Since Gloria Arroyo became president, the peso has steadily gained value
against the dollar and more opportunities to go abroad have been opened.