Example 4

 

Here’s a slightly longer argument.

                                                                 

Identifying the Parts of the Argument

 

4) “Ann should major in history since her parents want her to and people should major in whatever their parents want them to.

 

As usual, for each of the underlined sentences, determine whether it’s the ultimate conclusion, a premise, or a subconclusion in the argument. You can check your answer by resting the mouse over it.

 

“Ann should major in history” is

the ultimate conclusion

a premise

a subconclusion

 

“Her parents want her to” is

the ultimate conclusion

a premise

a subconclusion

 

“People should major in whatever their parents want them to” is

the ultimate conclusion

a premise

a subconclusion

 

Now let’s see how this argument is diagrammed