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1.7 Summary

Key Points

Note: don't put reasoning inside a box.  Argument maps display the structure of reasoning; don't hide that structure inside a box. 

A claim is a proposition put forward by somebody as true.  A proposition is an idea which is either true or false.

A reason is a piece of evidence in support of some claim.  Technically, a reason is a set of claims working together to provide evidence that another claim is true.

A declarative sentence is one which states an idea which can be true or false.

A conclusion is a claim for which some evidence is presented, whether for or against. See also contention.

An objection is a piece of evidence against some claim.  Technically, an objection is set of claims working together to provide evidence that another claim is false.

A simple argument is just a contention with a single piece of reason for it, or a contention with a single objection to it. 

 Last updated 01-Mar-2007