CRCB Chapter 12

Summary

An argument has two parts, a reason and a conclusion. A reason is what supports the conclusion and a conclusion is a judgment, decision or opinion. Some word clues for reasons are in view of the facts, because, as indicated by and finally. Some word clues for conclusions are hence, as a result, shows that, then, and so. Arguments can be identified by these words. There ate two basic kinds of arguments, inductive and deductive. Deductive reasoning involves an instance of a general principal and applies a conclusion. Inductive reasoning involves drawing a general conclusion from several facts. Arguments must be evaluated dependability by verifying the source. Facts must be distinguished from opinion. Fallacious arguments need to be detected. Types of logical fallacies include either/or thinking, hasty generalizations, red herrings, false cause, slippery slope, ad hominem and circular reasoning.

Exercises

1. a. I need to study more effectively. – Conclusion
b. I failed the last exam. – Reason

2. a. I feel much better today. – Reason
b. I must be eating better. – Conclusion

3. a. Therefore, the legislature needs to address the AIDS issue. – Conclusion
b. It is estimated that 1 to 2 million Americans are infected with the virus that causes AIDS. – Reason
c. In 1996 more children and women continued to get AIDS. – Reason

4. a. Jason is guilty. – Conclusion
b. Two eyewitnesses saw Jason commit the crime. – Reason
c. Jason had three pieces of the stolen jewelry in his pocket. – Reason
d. Jason’s fingerprints matched those of the crime scene. – Reason

5. a. The results of exercise include better, more restful sleep. – Reason
b. Exercise lowers the risk of heart attack. – Reason
c. There are several benefits of exercising. – Conclusion