Example 5 - Summary

Here’s what we learned in this example:

Diagramming Example 5

Our argument is diagrammed like this:

5) “History can help us to learn from our mistakes, so everyone should know at least a little history.”

1. Everyone should know at least a little history.

2. History can help us to learn from our mistakes.

2

A

1

Notice that

· The conclusion indicator expression “so” tells us that idea 1 is a conclusion supported by idea 2.

Evaluating Example 5 - A Good Argument

Because the premise and the inference are both good, this is a good argument.

5) “History can help us to learn from our mistakes, so everyone should know at least a little history.”

1. Everyone should know at least a little history.

2. History can help us to learn from our mistakes.

2 J

A J J

1

Conclusions of Good Arguments

Although deciding that an argument is bad tells us nothing about the ultimate conclusion, if we decide that an argument is good, we should believe that the ultimate conclusion of the argument is true.

If we’re faced with arguments for competing positions, and if the arguments for one side are better than the arguments for the other side (although not absolutely perfect), philosophy would tell us to believe the position supported by stronger arguments, at least provisionally.

Many people have difficulty accepting that idea that we should think that the ultimate conclusion is true if we decide that an argument is good. Before we go on to the next example, therefore, let’s play around with this idea some more by taking a look at Zeno’s Paradox.