Premise

Key question

What must be true for this conclusion to follow?

Check your understanding

Find an example, an application and a limit. Explain the concept without using its name, then compare your explanation with a primary source.

Claims to examine

• An argument’s form and the truth of its premises need separate checks.

  Editorial claim · workingExamine the source →

Follow a learning route

• How do you tell a strong argument from a persuasive one?

  Reconstruct an argument, check its evidence and respond to an objection.

Reading connections

• Introduction to Philosophy: 1.1 What Is Philosophy?

  Nathan Smith

• Introduction to Philosophy: 5.2 Logical Statements

  Nathan Smith

• Introduction to Philosophy: 5.3 Arguments

  Nathan Smith

• Introduction to Philosophy: 5.4 Types of Inferences

  Nathan Smith

• Introduction to Philosophy: 2.4 Gathering Information, Evaluating Sources, and Understanding Evidence

  Nathan Smith

• Introduction to Philosophy: 7.5 Applied Epistemology

  Nathan Smith

• Introduction to Philosophy: 5.5 Informal Fallacies

  Nathan Smith

• Introduction to Philosophy: 2.2 Overcoming Cognitive Biases and Engaging in Critical Reflection

  Nathan Smith