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An introduction to the difference between a simple disagreement and a logical argument used to persuade others.
Have you ever 'won' a fight just by being the loudest person in the room, only to realize the other person still didn't believe you? What if you could use a logical 'skeleton' to make your ideas impossible to ignore?
In everyday life, we use the word argument to describe a 'shouting match' or a heated disagreement. However, in philosophy, an argument is much more organized. It isn't about being angry; it is a structured attempt to prove a point. A philosophical argument is a set of statements, called premises, that work together to support a final statement, called the conclusion. Think of the premises as the legs of a table and the conclusion as the tabletop. If the legs are strong, the table stands!
Quick Check
In philosophy, does an argument require two people to be angry at each other?
Answer
No, a philosophical argument is simply a structured set of reasons (premises) used to support a conclusion.
To build an argument, you need a specific structure. We often use 'indicator words' to signal where the parts are. Words like because, since, or given that usually introduce a premise. Words like therefore, so, or consequently introduce the conclusion. If you just state an opinion without giving a 'because,' you haven't made an argument—you've just made an assertion. A true argument provides a logical path for the listener to follow.
This is the most famous example of a logical argument in history: 1. Premise 1: All humans are mortal. 2. Premise 2: Socrates is a human. 3. Conclusion: Therefore, Socrates is mortal.
Notice how the conclusion must be true if the first two steps are true.
Quick Check
What do we call the reasons or evidence given to support a conclusion?
Answer
Premises.
The goal of an argument is persuasion. This means moving someone from their current belief to a new one using logic. A simple disagreement is just saying 'No, you're wrong!' An argument says, 'You should believe because of and .' When we argue well, we aren't trying to 'beat' our opponent; we are trying to show them a logical bridge that leads to the truth. This is the foundation of science, law, and even deciding what movie to watch with friends.
Imagine trying to convince a parent to let you stay up later.
Weak Disagreement: 'It's not fair! I want to stay up!' (No logic, just emotion).
Logical Argument: 1. Premise 1: I have finished all my homework for tomorrow. 2. Premise 2: Studies show that responsible students benefit from choosing their own schedules. 3. Conclusion: Therefore, I should be allowed to stay up until 10:00 PM tonight.
Sometimes arguments have 'hidden' premises that we assume are true.
Argument: 'It is raining outside, so you should take an umbrella.'
To make this a perfect logical 'table,' we need to reveal the hidden step: 1. Premise 1: It is raining outside. 2. Premise 2 (Hidden): You do not want to get wet. 3. Conclusion: Therefore, you should take an umbrella.
Which of these best describes a 'premise'?
Which word is most likely to introduce a conclusion?
A logical argument must always involve two people shouting at each other.
Review Tomorrow
Tomorrow morning, try to identify one 'Conclusion' you hear in a commercial or news clip. What 'Premise' did they use to support it?
Practice Activity
Write down a simple argument for why your favorite food is the best. Use at least two premises and one conclusion.