Checklist: Lesson 6 - Analyzing Arguments

Identifying Argument Components

Distinguish premises (supporting statements) from conclusions

Identify explicit vs. implicit premises in arguments

Recognize unstated assumptions that connect premises to conclusions

Separate factual claims from value judgments within arguments

Identify qualifiers and limitations in arguments

Recognize deductive arguments (premises guarantee conclusion if true)

Identify inductive arguments (premises make conclusion probable but not certain)

Spot arguments from analogy and assess their strength

Recognize common argument patterns (modus ponens, modus tollens, etc.)

Distinguish between arguments about facts vs. arguments about values

Check for validity (whether conclusion follows logically from premises)

Assess soundness (whether valid AND premises are actually true)

Identify formal logical structure of arguments

Recognize when conclusions exceed what premises can support

Test for logical consistency within the argument

Assess strength (how probable the conclusion is given the premises)

Evaluate cogency (whether strong AND premises are actually true)

Consider sample size and representativeness in generalizations

Examine the quality of analogies used in arguments

Assess whether correlation is being mistaken for causation

Clearly state your conclusion

Provide strong, relevant premises that support your conclusion

Acknowledge and address potential counterarguments

Identify and evaluate your own assumptions

Use appropriate reasoning (deductive or inductive) for your context

Avoid logical fallacies in your own arguments