Argument Mechanics - The Realm of Reason Part I

The Basics - Structure & Definitions

argument - piece of reasoning; consists of a conclusion and a premise(s).
premise - that which supports the conclusion, e.g. “hence”, “thus”, “so”, “since”.
conclusion - that which is supported, e.g. “must be”, “therefore”, etc.
external claim - premise(s) are consistent w/fact “have I overlooked any details”.
internal claim - premise(s) hooks up with the conclusion, “Given the promises the claim must be true”.
arguments in which the internal claim is correct are said to be valid
a sound argument is a valid argument with true premises.
argument persuades, explains and clinches, i.e. it has an audience.

- the issue constitutes the selling, the topic to discuss, an end to be achieved; it may be as narrow as a specific question or as broad as a general range of subjects; it can be formal, a question posed, a challenge, an indictment or an agenda item.
- argument has a point, it is purposive; primary point to establish useful fact.

Good reasoning is (1) from fact, (2) the premises are independent of the conclusion, (3) good reasoning and good premises are relevant, (4) premises in good reasoning support their conclusion, (5) the premises are more accessible that the conclusion, (6) good reasoning goes somewhere, (7) good reasoning, sound argument practice, is open.
- reasoning may proceed from hypothetical facts, the truth of which may not be known, e.g. “If virtue is knowledge, then virtue can be taught”.
- reasoning may proceed from probabilities, i.e. “Your chances of drawing an ace now are 1 in 26. Therefore, you’d best fold”.
- good reasoning proceeds from reasons to conclusions.
- premises must not depend on the conclusion, i.e. a con-man vouching for his own honesty.
- conclusions in good arguments exactly reflect the strength of their premises.
“maximization of correction” principle: the probability of the whole truth emerging from a controversy, generally increases when all sides can get their opinions aired.

For each argument (1) state the issue, (2) paraphrase the argument, (3) identify premise(s) and conclusion(s), (4) note the strong points and areas where it can be improved.