wk 3 Argument Analysis

Reply 2

Midweek Question #2

Consider how counting claims and diagramming arguments help in the task of distinguishing inductive from deductive arguments. Why is it important to identify extra claims and implied claims? How does a diagram reveal the structure of deductive arguments, as opposed to how it reveals the structure of inductive arguments?

Deductive arguments are arguments that use claims to guarantee the truth of the conclusion, and the claims are a source of strong support to truth of the conclusion. Deductive arguments attempt to make it impossible for the conclusion to be false (IEP, n.d.). Inductive arguments are intended to contain claims that are strong enough to prove that the conclusion is true and that it is unlikely that the conclusion will be false (IEP, n.d.)

When diagramming arguments, it helps to break down the argument and understand how each of the claims relate to each other and the conclusion. When diagramming deductive arguments, it begins as a “top-down” argument where the claims are broad, and the conclusion is very specific. When diagramming an inductive argument, it begins as a “bottom-up” argument where the claims are very specific, and the conclusion is broad. If there are extra claims within the argument, they will relate to another claim and help to understand how the arguer is attempting to reach their conclusion (Jackson & Newberry, 2016).