Identifying Premises And Conclusions

1. Arguments in ordinary language usually aren't presented in standard form.

True

False

In ordinary language, arguments are typically presented in a more casual and conversational manner, rather than in a structured and formal standard form. This means that the premises and conclusions may not be clearly stated or organized, making it harder to identify and evaluate the logical structure of the argument. Therefore, it is true that arguments in ordinary language usually aren't presented in standard form.

Explanation

In ordinary language, arguments are typically presented in a more casual and conversational manner, rather than in a structured and formal standard form. This means that the premises and conclusions may not be clearly stated or organized, making it harder to identify and evaluate the logical structure of the argument. Therefore, it is true that arguments in ordinary language usually aren't presented in standard form.

2. "They're letting that criminal go on account of a technicality in the search warrant. I think that's just awful."

This is an argument, and the conclusion is “That’s just awful”.

This is an argument, and the conclusion is “They’re letting that criminal go on account of a technicality in the search warrant”.

This isn’t an argument, it’s just a pair of statements. Neither is being offered as a reason to believe the other.

The answer is (C). Neither statement is being offered as a reason to believe the other.

Explanation

The answer is (C). Neither statement is being offered as a reason to believe the other.

3. In ordinary language, the conclusion of an argument always comes after the premises.

True

False

False. Not always. Sometimes we lead with the conclusion, and then follow up with the reasons to believe that conclusion.

Explanation

False. Not always. Sometimes we lead with the conclusion, and then follow up with the reasons to believe that conclusion.

4. "There's no way you'll get the job. The job ad says you need a high school diploma to apply." What premise is assumed, but not explicitly stated, in this argument?

The job requires a high school diploma.

You shouldn’t bother applying for the job.

You don’t have a high school diploma.

The answer is (C). The conclusion doesn't follow unless you assume that the person doesn't have a high school diploma.

Explanation

The answer is (C). The conclusion doesn't follow unless you assume that the person doesn't have a high school diploma.

5. "John is a high school teacher, so he probably has a university degree." What premise is being assumed in this argument?

All high school teachers have a university degree.

Most high school teachers have a university degree.

Most people with university degrees are high school teachers.

The answer is (B).

The use of "probably" indicates that the implicit assumption isn't (A), which would guarantee that John has a university degree. (C) is false, but even if it was true, the conclusion wouldn't follow.

Explanation

The answer is (B).

The use of "probably" indicates that the implicit assumption isn't (A), which would guarantee that John has a university degree. (C) is false, but even if it was true, the conclusion wouldn't follow.