Welcome to Analyzing Reasoning!
Ever felt like someone was trying to convince you of something, but you couldn't quite put your finger on how they were doing it? That’s where Analyzing Reasoning comes in! In this chapter, we are going to learn how to take an argument apart, just like taking apart a piece of machinery to see how it works. By the end of these notes, you’ll be an expert at spotting the difference between a random opinion and a solid argument.
Don't worry if this seems a bit abstract at first. Think of it as a game of "Logic Lego"—we’re just looking at how different pieces of information click together to build a final point.
1. What Exactly is an Argument?
In everyday life, an "argument" usually means a shouting match. In Thinking Skills, it’s much calmer! An argument is a complex structure where someone provides reasons to support a conclusion. The goal is to persuade you to believe something or do something.
Important Distinction: An argument is not the same as:
• Information: Just stating facts (e.g., "The sun is 93 million miles away").
• Opinion: A belief without support (e.g., "Blue is the best color").
• Explanation: Telling you why something happened, rather than trying to prove that it is true (e.g., "The window broke because the ball hit it").
Analogy: Think of an argument like a house. The Conclusion is the roof, and the Reasons are the pillars holding it up. Without the pillars, the roof falls (it’s just an unsupported opinion). Without the roof, the pillars are just standing there for no reason (it’s just a list of facts).
Quick Review: An argument = Reasons + Conclusion. Its purpose is to persuade.
2. The Anatomy of an Argument
To analyze reasoning, you need to identify the "Key Elements." Think of these as the different types of Lego bricks used in the build.
The Main Conclusion (MC)
The Main Conclusion is the final "point" of the argument. It is the statement that the rest of the passage is trying to make you accept.
Trick: Ask yourself, "What is the author ultimately trying to get me to believe?" or try putting the word "Therefore" before it.
Reasons (R)
Reasons are claims that provide support for the conclusion. They tell us why we should accept the conclusion.
Trick: Try putting the word "Because" before a sentence. If it makes sense as a support for the conclusion, it’s a reason!
Intermediate Conclusions (IC)
This is where students often get stuck, but it’s simple! An Intermediate Conclusion is a "stepping stone." It is a conclusion that is supported by reasons, but it also acts as a reason itself for the Main Conclusion.
Example:
(R1) It is raining.
(IC) Therefore, the grass will be wet.
(MC) Therefore, we should not play football today.
Counter-Assertions and Counter-Arguments
Sometimes, an author will mention the "other side" to show they have thought about it.
• A Counter-assertion is just a claim that goes against the author's conclusion (e.g., "Some people say chocolate is unhealthy").
• A Counter-argument is a more developed argument from the opposing side (including a reason and a conclusion).
Evidence and Examples
• Evidence: Statistical data, survey results, or expert reports (e.g., "80% of scientists agree...").
• Example: A specific instance used to illustrate a point (e.g., "For instance, Germany has high recycling rates").
Key Takeaway: Identifying the Main Conclusion is your first and most important job. Everything else in the argument is there to support it, either directly or indirectly.
3. Identifying Unstated Assumptions
This is the "Hidden Step." An Unstated Assumption is a piece of the argument that the author believes is true but didn't actually write down. It is the "missing link" required to make the reasoning work.
The Bridge Analogy: Imagine a bridge with a missing plank. The author expects you to jump over the gap. The assumption is the invisible plank that allows the argument to get from the reasons to the conclusion.
Example:
Reason: The restaurant is always empty.
Conclusion: Therefore, the food must be terrible.
Unstated Assumption: That the reason people aren't going there is because of the food quality (and not, for example, because the restaurant is in a hidden location or too expensive).
Did you know? Authors often leave out assumptions because they think the point is "obvious" or "trivial." Your job is to find them and see if they actually hold up!
Common Mistake to Avoid: Don't confuse a Reason with an Assumption. A reason is written on the page; an assumption is NOT written on the page.
4. Memory Aids and Simple Tricks
If you're struggling to find the pieces of an argument, try these tricks:
1. The "Therefore/Because" Test:
Place "Because" before the reason and "Therefore" before the conclusion.
"Because [Reason], therefore [Conclusion]."
If it sounds right, you've found the relationship!
2. Indicator Words:
Look for "Signpost" words that give away the function of a sentence:
• Conclusion Indicators: So, therefore, thus, consequently, which proves that.
• Reason Indicators: Because, as, since, due to the fact that.
• Counter-argument Indicators: However, on the other hand, although, critics claim.
3. The "M-I-R" Method:
When reading a long text, try to label each sentence as Main Conclusion, Intermediate Conclusion, or Reason. This helps you map out the structure visually.
Summary Checklist for Analyzing Reasoning
• Is it an argument? (Is it trying to persuade me? Does it have reasons?)
• What is the Main Conclusion? (The "final" point.)
• What are the Reasons? (The "pillars" of support.)
• Are there Intermediate Conclusions? (Stepping stones.)
• Are there Counter-elements? (The "other side.")
• What is the author assuming? (The "missing planks.")
Final Encouragement: Analyzing reasoning is a skill, not a talent. The more you practice looking for these "Lego bricks," the faster and more naturally you will see them. You've got this!