Group Project 1: Davids Initial Discussion Post (with questions)!

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1. What are the components of an argument? Give a definition of each of
the components, and provide 3 examples of key word indicators that
are used to signal each component of an argument.
According to the book, Critical Thinking by Brook Noel Moore and Richard
Parker, an argument is divided into a premise and a conclusion. (8)A
Premise is a piece of logic or evidence that supports a point of view. (Moore
and Parker 8) There are specific words that indicate one is looking at a
premise. These indicators include due to, considering, and as a result
of. (www.softchalk.com: Identifying Premises and Conclusions) The
conclusion is the point of view or the main idea that the premise supports
(Moore and Parker 8). Conclusions can also have indicators. That being
said, Naturally, and One may assume, are three examples of indicators
for conclusions. (www.softchalk.com: Identifying Premises and Conclusions)

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2.

What is the dierence between an argument and an explanation?

Provide an example of each, with a brief explanation of why one
example counts as an argument, and why the other example counts as
an explanation.

Unlike an argument, an explanation has no clear point to prove. It is merely

clarifying a piece of information. (Moore and Parker 51) The tide changes
with the position of the moon is an explanation. It is not trying to make any
point. However, Surfers should be careful because the tide changes with
the moon is an argument. It isnt a very clear argument, but it is still trying to
make the point that surfers should be careful.

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3.

What are the 3 criteria a statement must meet in order to count as an

objective statement? Provide an example of an objective statement,
and clearly explain how your example meets all three criteria?
According to the Objective versus Subjective Statements Softchalk
Lesson; an objective claim is clearly true or false, there is a clear method for
determining wether the statement is true or false, and someone is always
wrong in a disagreement. The Earth is bigger than the moon, is an objective
statement. The Earth is either bigger than the moon or not bigger than the
moon, so it is either true or false. Since size is a measurement there is a
clear way of comparing the two objects. Finally, since the statement can only
be true or false, any argument concerning this issue would result in one party
reaching an incorrect conclusion.

4.
In your own words, what is the dierence between a deductive
argument, and an inductive argument? Give examples of each type of
argument to help explain your answer.
A deductive argument uses evidence to directly prove ones conclusion.
(Moore and Parker 34) If B follows A and C follows B, Then C follows A, is a
classic example of a deductive argument. There is no possible way for C to
lead A. The argument is clearly proven.

On the other hand, an inductive argument supports the conclusion by giving

evidence for a similar or related situation. (Moore and Parker 35) An example
of an inductive argument is Since it is currently raining in Pasadena, it is
likely also raining in Temple City. The statement does not directly prove that
there is rain in Temple City. However, since the the two citys are in a close
proximity to one another, it can be assumed that the weather in one city will
be very similar to the weather of the other location.

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Works Cited

""Identifying Premises and Conlusions" Video." Www.softchalk.com. 1 Jan.

2013. Web. 23 Jan. 2015. <https://www.softchalkcloud.com/scorecenter/lti

(Links to an external site.)

Moore, Brooke Noel, and Richard Parker. Critical Thinking. 11th ed. Boston:
McGraw Hill, 2015. Print.

""Objective versus Subjective Statements" Video." Www.softchalkcloud.com. 1

Jan. 2013. Web. 23 Jan. 2015. <https://www.softchalkcloud.com/scorecenter/lti/