PHIL347: Checkpoint 1 Exam Questions With 100% Verified Answers Graded A+
making an argument
refer to the process of giving one or more reasons in support of a claim
[Claim] Encephalitis (swelling of the brain) cannot be said to be a side effect of measles vaccination. [Reason] Here's why: "...
PHIL347: Checkpoint 1 Exam Questions With 100%
Verified Answers Graded A+
making an argument
refer to the process of giving one or more reasons in support of a claim
[Claim] Encephalitis (swelling of the brain) cannot be said to be a side effect of measles
vaccination. [Reason] Here's why: "This happens so rarely—less than once in a million
shots—that experts can't be sure whether the vaccine is the cause or not."
claim
refers to the statement that the maker
of the argument is seeking to show to be true or probably true. We will often refer to an
argument's claim as the argument's conclusion
reasons
The other sentences in the argu-ment, namely those that are used to show that the
conclu-sion is true or that it is probably true, constitute the reason or reasons.
Remaining faithful to the variety of ways we have of talking about thinking in everyday
language, we can refer to reasons using synonyms, like considerations or rationale
conclusion
claim that speaker intends to support
the purpose of analysis
is to find the speaker’s meaning. The very first step is to find the speaker’s conclusion
and premises.
WORKING DEFINTION OF AN ARGUMENT
An argument is two or more declarative statements, at least one of which serves
as evidence to support the truth or probable truth of the other.
The statement(s) that provides the evidence is called the reason, or the premise.
The claim that is supported by evidence is called the conclusion.
“I won’t pass this course (conclusion claim) because I haven’t studied (reason)”
“Because”, and words that mean the same thing as “because”, signal
reasons/premises.
“Therefore”, and words that mean the same as “therefore”, signal conclusions
How do we recognize a claim (conclusion) when there are no signal words?
1. Try putting "because" and "therefore" before the sentences in the statement and
determine what makes sense.
2. Look for the point the speaker is trying to make. "What is the point the speaker is
trying to make?" "What is the speaker trying to establish as true or probably true?"
"What point is he speaker trying to explain or justify."
NOTE: The conclusion does not always come at the end of an argument. It can be the
last statement, the first statement or somewhere in the middle. Conclusions can also be
implied.
How do we recognize the reasons (premises) when there are no signal words?
1. Try putting "because" and "therefore" before the sentences in the statement and
determine what makes sense.
The benefits of buying summaries with Stuvia:
Guaranteed quality through customer reviews
Stuvia customers have reviewed more than 700,000 summaries. This how you know that you are buying the best documents.
Quick and easy check-out
You can quickly pay through credit card or Stuvia-credit for the summaries. There is no membership needed.
Focus on what matters
Your fellow students write the study notes themselves, which is why the documents are always reliable and up-to-date. This ensures you quickly get to the core!
Frequently asked questions
What do I get when I buy this document?
You get a PDF, available immediately after your purchase. The purchased document is accessible anytime, anywhere and indefinitely through your profile.
Satisfaction guarantee: how does it work?
Our satisfaction guarantee ensures that you always find a study document that suits you well. You fill out a form, and our customer service team takes care of the rest.
Who am I buying these notes from?
Stuvia is a marketplace, so you are not buying this document from us, but from seller LECTMAGGY. Stuvia facilitates payment to the seller.
Will I be stuck with a subscription?
No, you only buy these notes for $9.99. You're not tied to anything after your purchase.
