Which of the following best describes an argument in logic?
AA heated disagreement between two people
BA set of premises offered as reasons to accept a conclusion
CAny statement that is true
DA question that requires evidence to answer
In logic, an argument is a structured set of statements: premises (the evidence or reasons) and a conclusion (the claim being supported). It has nothing to do with emotional conflict — a logical argument can be written by one person in complete calm.
Question 2 True / False
In the statement 'Since most metals conduct electricity, and copper is a metal, copper should conduct electricity,' the conclusion is 'most metals conduct electricity.'
TTrue
FFalse
Answer: False
The word 'since' signals a premise, not a conclusion. The two premises are 'all metals conduct electricity' and 'copper is a metal.' The conclusion — signaled by 'must' — is 'copper conducts electricity.' Signal words help you locate which part of an argument is being supported and which parts do the supporting.
Question 3 Short Answer
Identify the premises and conclusion in this argument: 'The park closes at sunset. Sunset is at 7pm today. Therefore, the park closes at 7pm today.'
Think about your answer, then reveal below.
Model answer: Premise 1: The park closes at sunset. Premise 2: Sunset is at 7pm today. Conclusion: The park closes at 7pm today.
The word 'therefore' directly signals the conclusion. Everything before it provides the reasons (premises) that lead to that conclusion. This argument has two premises that work together — neither alone would be sufficient to reach the conclusion.