ARGUMENT FORM Meaning and
Definition
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Argument form refers to the structure or pattern followed when constructing an argument. It is a framework that outlines the logical connections between premises and conclusions in a deductive argument. The argument form serves as a blueprint or template that allows for the evaluation and analysis of the validity or strength of an argument.
In this context, form refers to the arrangement or organization of the parts of an argument. Every argument can be broken down into premises, which are statements or pieces of evidence supporting a conclusion or claim. The argument form, then, demonstrates how these premises logically lead to a particular conclusion.
The purpose of identifying and analyzing the argument form is to assess the validity or soundness of the argument. By examining the structure of the argument, one can determine whether the conclusion follows logically from the premises. If the argument form is valid, it means that if the premises are true, the conclusion must also be true. On the other hand, if the argument form is invalid, the conclusion may not necessarily be true, even if the premises are. In this case, the argument is considered fallacious.
By understanding and identifying the argument form, individuals can critically evaluate the reasoning and logic behind an argument. This allows for the assessment of its validity and helps in determining whether the conclusion can be reasonably supported by the premises or evidence provided.
Etymology of ARGUMENT FORM
The etymology of the phrase "argument form" can be traced back to the Latin origins of the word "argumentum" and the English word "form".
The Latin word "argumentum" means "evidence" or "proof" and is derived from the verb "arguere", meaning "to make clear" or "to argue". It was used in Latin rhetoric to refer to the statements or reasoning presented to support a claim or position.
The English word "form" has its roots in Old English and is related to the Latin word "forma", which translates to "shape" or "appearance". In the context of "argument form", "form" refers to the logical structure or shape that an argument takes.
Therefore, the phrase "argument form" combines the Latin word for evidence or argument with the English word for structure or shape, representing the overall structure and arrangement of the reasoning presented in an argument.
