1. Analyzing Arguments (Ch. 4)

2. Review from Last Week
Critical Thinking involves Reasoning in Ordinary Language
To make reasoning precise, we convert reasoning in ordinary language to an argument form
Steps to go from Ordinary Language to Argument Form
Remove non-claims: exclamations, requests, (most) questions
Find indicator words (so, since, etc.) to identify premises and conclusion
Add any implicit premises

3. From Ordinary Language to Argument Form (in Chapter 2)
Remove Non-Claims
Identify Indicator Words
Add Implicit Premises
Ordinary
Language
Argument Form

4. Simple and Complex Argument1

5. Simple and Complex Arguments
Simple Arguments: contain one conclusion (and at least one premise)
Complex Arguments: contain more than one conclusion (and at least one premise for each conclusion)

6. One More Step: Identify Simple and Complex Arguments (Chapter 3)
Identify Simple or Complex Argument
Remove Non-Claims
Identify Indicator Words
Add Implicit Premises
Ordinary
Language
Argument Form

7. Simple Argument Ordinary Language Argument Form Diagram
In view of the fact that Toronto Raptors traded away their best player, they will not make the NBA playoffs.
Argument Form
[P1] The Toronto Raptors traded away their best player
[C] The Toronto Raptors will not make the playoffs
Diagram
[P1]
[C]

8. Complex Argument Ordinary Language Argument Form Diagram
Jesse breaks bones too easily and dislocates his shoulder with every hard hit. So, let’s face it , he is too fragile. Because of this, we are forced to conclude that Jesse will not make it to the National Football League.
Argument Form
[P1] Jesse breaks bones too easily
[P2] He dislocates his shoulder with every hit
[IC] He’s too fragile
[MC] Jesse will not make it to the NFL
Diagram
[P1], [P2]
[IC]
[MC]

9. Complex Argument
Sally travelled to Athens last year. So, she was in Greece. And if she was in Greece, she was in Europe. Application Ex. #2 (pg. 107)
[P1] Sally travelled to Athens
[IC] So, she was in Greece
[P2] If she was in Greece, she was in Europe
[MC] So, Sally was in Europe. P1 IC P2 MC

10. Complex Argument
Smoking weed messes with your mind. So, you shouldn’t smoke it. Besides, it’s expensive and makes your clothes smell. Application Ex. #6 (pg. 107)
[P1] Smoking weed messes with your mind
[P2] Smoking weed is expensive
[P3] Smoking weed makes your clothes smwll
[C] You shouldn’t smoke weed P1 P2 P3 C

11. Complex Argument
You know, if you try hard, you’ll be noticed. And you’re noticed, you’re more likely to succeed. We all see that you’ve tried hard. So, you’ll no doubt succeed. And, by the way, if you succeed, you’re more likely to be rich. I guess you’re going to be one rich person. Application Ex. #9 (pg. 108)
P1. If you try hard, you’ll be noticed
P2. If you’re noticed, you’re more likely to succeed
P3. We all see that you’ve tried hard
IC. So, you’ll no doubt succeed
P4. If you succeed, you’re more likely to be rich
MC. You’re going to be one rich person P1 P2 P3 IC P4 MC