Arguments

Eric Pacuit

Philosophy

University of Maryland

  1. Ann and Bob are having an argument about who should win the election.
     
  2. Ann presented an argument to Bob that the minimum wage should be increased.
     
  3. The value of the function depends on its arguments.

This course is focused on the 2nd type of argument.

The word "argument" can be used in different ways:

We will order either pizza or tacos for dinner.
If Timber Pizza is closed, then we will not order pizza for dinner.   Timber Pizza is closed. So, we will order tacos for dinner.  

The premises (evidence)

The conclusion

Conclusion indicator

We will order either pizza or tacos for dinner.  If Timber Pizza is closed, then we will not order pizza for dinner. Timber Pizza is closed. So, we will order tacos for dinner.  

P1

We will order either pizza or tacos for dinner. 

If Timber Pizza is closed, then we will not order pizza for dinner.

P2

       we will order tacos for dinner.

Timber Pizza is closed

P3
C

So,

\therefore

Premise 1

Premise 2

Premise 3

Conclusion

P1,
P2,
P3
C
\Rightarrow

An argument is a list of statements, one is the conclusion and the rest are the premises

list of premises

conclusion

symbol we will use to separate premises from the conclusion