Question

Section 3: Argument Recognition. Some of the passages below are arguments, and some are not. Answer “Yes” if the passage is an argument, and “No” if it is not an argument. Write your answer in the blank at the left. (2 points each, 10 total)

1. _______ The laptop won’t charge and the power strip is fine, so probably the power cord is damaged.

2. _______ Even though the power strip is fine, the power cord must be damaged, because the computer won’t charge, and if the computer won’t charge then either the power strip is damaged or the power cord is damaged.

3. _______The power cord is damaged even though the power strip is fine.

4. _______Because the power strip is fine, and because if the power strip is fine then the power cord must be damaged, the power cord must consequently be damaged.

5. _______The power strip is fine, and the power cord is damaged.

Answer 1

An argument in logics are statements that persuade the audiences and seeks them to understand the truth of the statement. Hence, the premises supports the conclusions in an argument.

1. Yes, this is an argument. The premises supports the conclusions though in a weak manner.

2. Yes. This is an argument, the premises and conclusion are trying to convince the audience.

3. No. This is not an argument, this is a statement.

4. Yes. This is an argument as the premises support the conclusion.

5. No. This is not an argument, this is a statement.