Argument
/ˈärɡyəmənt/
ʟᴏɢɪᴄᴀʟ
: a series of propositions (the premises) intended to determine the degree of truth of another statement (the conclusion)"
// inductive, deductive, abductive, analogy
Arguments use evidence and claims to make conclusions. Most arguments involve probability, not certainty. They provide clues, not irrefutable proof.
On the anatomy of an argument
On probability and certainty
On transferring argument structures to other people through communication
On identifying premises and conclusions
On evaluating arguments
On good explanations
Deductive argument: All men are mortal. Socrates is a man. Therefore, Socrates is mortal.
Inductive argument: 90% of humans have ten fingers. Therefore, it is likely that the next human you meet will have ten fingers.
Abductive argument: The grass is wet. Therefore, it probably rained recently.
Analogical argument: Cats have fur, are carnivorous, and are good hunters. Therefore, tigers, which share these traits, are also good hunters.
Socratic Logic: A Logic Text Using Socratic Method, Platonic Questions, and Aristotelian Principles
Summa Theologica - Thomas Aquinas