Question

1.Please define an argument or inference in your own words. (Hint: An argument is a movement of thought from known to unknown, when expressed in language it is an inference).

2.What is the aim of an "argument" or "inference"?

3.What is the difference between one single sentence (or proposition) and an argument? Explain briefly with the help of an example.

4.Often we make claims like, “It is going to rain tomorrow”, or “I think all apples in this basket are sweet”, can you call them arguments or inference? If yes, explain why, if not explain why.

5.State in your own words the distinction between a “premise” and a “conclusion”.

6.Construct an argument and an non argument (example: "It will rain tomorrow" -- non argument, statement of belief; "It will probably rain tomorrow, as has been cloudy and raining for the last six days, it is raining today, and the weather forecast says that it will rain tomorrow --- argument, supporting my claim).

7.Briefly explain the difference between a the factual claim of an argument and the inferential claim in your own words.

Answer 1

1. An argument is a series of reasons or statements to establish a point of view. Inference is the outcome of an argument. When arguments are given for a particular matter, then finding the result of it is called inference.

2. The aim of an argument or an inference is to prove a certain point of view with reasons.

3. A proposition is when the idea or point of view is put up for argument. An argument is when the proposition is critically examined and discussed to attain an inference. Example: "an issue of racism" is the matter, that is, the proposition. "Racism still exists in all parts of the world. This can be proved by the atrocities reported by the colored people. They are being exploited and publicly humiliated" is an argument.

4. They are inferences. It is because they are depicted as a result of something. "It is going to rain tomorrow" or "I think all apples in this basket are sweet" is the inference from observations.