Navigation
Learn how to break an argument down into its core parts: the reasons (premises) and the main point (conclusion).
Have you ever won a debate with your parents just by saying 'Because I said so!'? Probably not. To win an argument, you need a structure—like a building that won't fall down.
In philosophy, an argument isn't a shouting match or a fight. Instead, it is a set of statements used to persuade someone that an idea is true. Every argument has two main parts: the Conclusion and the Premises. Think of the conclusion as the 'roof' of a house and the premises as the 'walls' holding it up. Without strong walls (premises), the roof (conclusion) will come crashing down. A simple logical argument can be represented as a sum: . If the premises are solid, the conclusion should be hard to knock over.
Quick Check
In the 'House' analogy, which part of the argument represents the main point the author wants you to believe?
Answer
The Conclusion (the roof).
Look at this simple argument: 'You should bring an umbrella because the sky is grey and the weather report predicted rain.'
1. Identify the Conclusion: What is the main action or belief? 'You should bring an umbrella.' 2. Identify Premise 1: 'The sky is grey.' 3. Identify Premise 2: 'The weather report predicted rain.' 4. Check the Link: Do these two reasons logically lead to the umbrella? Yes.
How do you find these parts in a long paragraph? Look for Indicator Words. These are like road signs that tell you what's coming next. Conclusion Indicators include words like therefore, so, thus, and consequently. They signal that the 'big point' is arriving. Premise Indicators include words like because, since, for, and given that. These signal that a reason is being provided. If you see the word 'because,' you are almost certainly looking at a premise!
Quick Check
Is the word 'Therefore' usually followed by a premise or a conclusion?
Answer
A conclusion.
Read this argument: 'Since fresh vegetables provide essential vitamins and our school wants students to be healthy, we should offer a salad bar in the cafeteria.'
1. Find the Premise Indicator: The word 'Since' starts the sentence. 2. List the Premises: - : Fresh vegetables provide vitamins. - : The school wants students to be healthy. 3. Find the Conclusion: The main point is 'We should offer a salad bar.' 4. Note: The conclusion here comes at the end, but it can sometimes be at the very beginning!
The relationship between premises and conclusions is called inference. This is the 'bridge' your mind crosses to get from the facts to the final point. In formal logic, we often write this as (If P, then C). For an argument to be strong, the bridge must be sturdy. If I say, 'I have a cat, therefore it will snow tomorrow,' my premise is true (I do have a cat), but the bridge is broken! There is no logical connection between my pet and the weather. A philosopher's job is to check if the bridge is strong enough to walk on.
Analyze this complex argument: 'Mars cannot support human life without technology. This is because Mars has a very thin atmosphere and lacks liquid water on its surface. Furthermore, the radiation levels are too high for unprotected skin.'
1. Locate the Conclusion: It's actually the first sentence! 'Mars cannot support human life without technology.' 2. Identify the Premises: Look after the phrase 'This is because.' 3. Premise 1: Thin atmosphere. 4. Premise 2: Lack of liquid water. 5. Premise 3: High radiation. 6. Evaluation: Here, three separate premises (legs) are all supporting one single conclusion (tabletop).
In the argument 'All humans are mortal. Socrates is human. Therefore, Socrates is mortal,' which statement is the conclusion?
Which of the following is a 'Premise Indicator'?
An argument can have multiple premises but only one main conclusion.
Review Tomorrow
In 24 hours, try to explain the 'Table Leg' analogy to a friend or family member without looking at this guide.
Practice Activity
Watch a 30-second commercial. Try to identify the 'Conclusion' (what they want you to buy) and at least two 'Premises' (why they say you should buy it).