The logical structure of an argument consists of premises and a conclusion, where the premises provide support for the conclusion.
An argument, at its core, attempts to persuade an audience of a certain point of view by providing reasons or evidence. The way these reasons are connected to the point of view is the argument's logical structure. Let's break down the components:
Components of a Logical Argument
| Component | Description | Example | Indicator Words |
|---|---|---|---|
| Premise(s) | Statements that provide reasons or evidence. | The sun rises in the East. | because, since, given that, assuming that |
| Conclusion | The claim being supported by the premises. | Therefore, the sun will rise in the East tomorrow. | thus, therefore, consequently, hence |
How They Work Together
Essentially, the premises are intended to lead logically to the conclusion. A good argument has premises that are relevant to the conclusion and provide sufficient support for it.
Example
- Premise 1: All men are mortal.
- Premise 2: Socrates is a man.
- Conclusion: Therefore, Socrates is mortal.
In this classical example, the two premises, if accepted as true, lead logically and inevitably to the conclusion.
Identifying Premises and Conclusions
According to the provided reference "Parts of a Logical Argument," certain words often indicate the presence of premises or conclusions:
- Conclusion Indicators: Words like "thus" and "therefore" often signal that a conclusion is about to be stated.
- Premise Indicators: Words like "because" and "since" often introduce a premise.
While these indicator words are helpful, they are not always present. Understanding the meaning of the statements and how they relate to each other is crucial for identifying the premises and conclusion.
Importance of Logical Structure
A sound logical structure is important because:
- Clarity: It makes the argument easy to understand and evaluate.
- Persuasion: Strong arguments with clear logic are more likely to persuade the audience.
- Critical Thinking: Understanding logical structure helps us analyze and evaluate arguments presented to us.
