Yes, an assertion is followed by a statement of reason when both the assertion and the reason are correct, and the reason adequately explains the assertion.
In essence, an assertion followed by a statement of reason aims to present a claim and then provide justification or evidence for that claim. For this construction to be valid and meaningful, the following conditions must be met:
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The assertion must be true or at least plausibly defensible. If the initial statement is false or demonstrably incorrect, the subsequent reasoning becomes irrelevant.
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The reason provided must also be true or supported by evidence. The reasoning used to justify the assertion must itself be accurate and verifiable.
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The reason must logically support the assertion. The connection between the assertion and the reason must be clear and understandable. The reason must genuinely explain why the assertion is true. This is the most crucial aspect; a reason that's merely true but doesn't relate to the assertion is insufficient.
Example:
- Assertion: Studying regularly leads to better grades.
- Reason: Consistent review of material reinforces learning and improves retention, resulting in a stronger understanding of the subject matter.
In this example, both the assertion and the reason are generally true. Furthermore, the reason directly explains why regular studying leads to better grades. The logic is clear: reinforced learning and improved retention contribute to a stronger understanding, which then translates to better grades.
Contrast with an invalid assertion-reason statement:
- Assertion: All cats are black.
- Reason: My cat is very friendly.
Here, the assertion is false (not all cats are black). Even though the reason could be true (the person's cat may be friendly), the reason has no logical connection to the assertion. The friendliness of a cat does not determine its color, nor does it validate the claim that all cats are black.
In summary, a valid assertion followed by a statement of reason presents a claim that's supported by a relevant and accurate explanation. Without both elements being true and logically connected, the statement lacks credibility and persuasiveness.
