Mastering Syllogisms: Identifying Arguments and Premises
In competitive exams like the CAT, understanding the structure of arguments is crucial for logical reasoning and data interpretation. This module focuses on the foundational skill of identifying arguments and their constituent premises.
What is an Argument?
An argument, in the context of logic, is a set of statements, one of which (the conclusion) is claimed to follow from the others (the premises). It's not about winning a debate, but about presenting a reasoned case for a particular claim.
Premises and a conclusion.
Identifying the Conclusion
The conclusion is the main point the argument is trying to establish. Look for indicator words such as 'therefore,' 'thus,' 'hence,' 'so,' 'consequently,' 'it follows that,' and 'as a result.' The statement following these words is often the conclusion.
Think of the conclusion as the 'destination' of the argument; all other statements are there to support reaching that destination.
Identifying the Premises
Premises are the statements that provide support or evidence for the conclusion. They are the reasons given to believe the conclusion. Look for indicator words like 'because,' 'since,' 'for,' 'as,' 'given that,' and 'inasmuch as.' The statements preceding these words are typically premises.
Premises are the building blocks of an argument.
Premises are the statements that offer reasons or evidence to support the main claim (the conclusion). They answer the question 'Why should I believe this?'
In a well-constructed argument, premises are presented as facts or accepted truths that logically lead to the conclusion. The strength of the argument depends on the truthfulness and relevance of its premises. For example, in the argument 'All men are mortal. Socrates is a man. Therefore, Socrates is mortal,' the first two sentences are premises, and the last is the conclusion.
Putting It All Together: Structure of an Argument
An argument typically follows this pattern: Premise 1 + Premise 2 + ... + Premise N => Conclusion. Not all statements in a passage are necessarily part of the argument; some might be background information or irrelevant details.
Indicator words (like 'therefore' or 'because') signal the relationship between statements, helping to distinguish premises from the conclusion.
| Feature | Conclusion | Premise |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | The main point to be proven or supported | Statements offering support or evidence |
| Indicator Words | Therefore, thus, hence, so, consequently | Because, since, for, as, given that |
| Relationship | Follows from the premises | Supports the conclusion |
Practice Scenario
Consider the following statement: 'The company's profits have increased significantly this quarter, so we should invest more in marketing.' Identify the premise and the conclusion.
Premise: The company's profits have increased significantly this quarter. Conclusion: We should invest more in marketing.
Common Pitfalls
Be wary of statements that are merely opinions without supporting reasons, or factual statements that don't contribute to a larger claim. Not every sentence in a passage is part of an argument; sometimes, context or background information is provided.
Always ask yourself: 'What is the author trying to convince me of?' and 'What reasons are they giving me to believe it?' This will help you dissect the argument.
Learning Resources
This resource from Purdue OWL provides a foundational understanding of argumentative writing, including how to construct and identify arguments.
Explains the core components of an argument and how to develop a strong thesis, which is essential for identifying conclusions.
A clear video explanation of how to spot premises and conclusions in logical reasoning questions, with practical examples.
This blog post covers the basics of critical reasoning, including identifying arguments and their components, relevant for competitive exams.
Provides definitions and examples of syllogisms, a common form of argument, helping to understand premise-conclusion relationships.
A GMAT-focused blog that breaks down how to identify premises and conclusions, applicable to other standardized tests.
A PDF document detailing the fundamental principles of argument analysis, including how to identify premises and conclusions.
Discusses the logical structure of arguments, emphasizing the importance of identifying premises and conclusions for problem-solving.
This website offers tools and explanations for argument mapping, a visual way to understand the structure of arguments and their components.
A guide specifically on identifying arguments within passages, a key skill for critical reasoning sections of exams.