Logical Reasoning Complex Arguments

Simple Arguments: Simple arguments contain a single conclusion This does not mean the argument is simple to understand, it means that the argument contains only 1 conclusion. ○ • Complex Arguments: Contain more than one conclusion One conclusion is the main conclusion ○ Other is the subsidiary conclusion or sub-conclusion ○ • You encounter complex arguments every day • A complex argument at some point makes a conclusion based on a premise, and then the author uses that initial conclusion as the foundation for another conclusion. • Diagram: Simple Arguments: Conclusion Premise Complex Arguments : Conclusion Conclusion/Premise Premise Simple Arguments - Premise supports the conclusion Complex Arguments - takes an initial conclusion and then uses it as a premise for another conclusion. A statement can be both a conclusion for one argument and a premise for another • A complex argument is like a ladder, where each level is used to build to the next level. • Example: Because the Vikings have the best running back in football, they therefore have the best offense in football. Because they have the best offense in football they will win the Super Bowl next year. Premise: because the Vikings have the best running back in football • Conclusion/Premise: they therefore have the best offense in football. • Conclusion: They will win the Super Bowl this year. • Method of Reasoning Questions: One of the most commonly used complex argument forms is to place the main conclusion in the first sentence of the argument and then to place the sub-conclusion in the last sentence of the argument preceded by a conclusion indicator. • Complex Arguments

Simple Arguments: Simple arguments contain a single conclusion This does not mean the argument is simple to understand, it means that the argument contains only 1 conclusion. ○ • Complex Arguments: Contain more than one conclusion One conclusion is the main conclusion ○ Other is the subsidiary conclusion or sub-conclusion ○ • You encounter complex arguments every day • A complex argument at some point makes a conclusion based on a premise, and then the author uses that initial conclusion as the foundation for another conclusion. • Diagram: Simple Arguments: Conclusion Premise Complex Arguments : Conclusion Conclusion/Premise Premise Simple Arguments - Premise supports the conclusion Complex Arguments - takes an initial conclusion and then uses it as a premise for another conclusion. A statement can be both a conclusion for one argument and a premise for another • A complex argument is like a ladder, where each level is used to build to the next level. • Example: Because the Vikings have the best running back in football, they therefore have the best offense in football. Because they have the best offense in football they will win the Super Bowl next year. Premise: because the Vikings have the best running back in football • Conclusion/Premise: they therefore have the best offense in football. • Conclusion: They will win the Super Bowl this year. • Method of Reasoning Questions: One of the most commonly used complex argument forms is to place the main conclusion in the first sentence of the argument and then to place the sub-conclusion in the last sentence of the argument preceded by a conclusion indicator. • Complex Arguments