The document defines and discusses arguments. It provides definitions of arguments from various authors that generally define an argument as consisting of a conclusion supported by one or more premises intended to convince the reader of the conclusion. The document then discusses the key components of an argument - propositions/claims, premises that provide reasons or evidence, and a conclusion. It provides examples of argument indicators and exercises for identifying arguments.

1. Critical Thinking Skills
Arguments
Dr Fariza Hanis Abdul Razak

2. Learning Outcomes
• By the end of this lecture, you will be able to:
• Define an argument
• Differentiate between an argument and a non-argument statement
• Make an argument

3. What is an Argument?

4. “A set of propositions, or statements, which are
designed to convince a reader or listener of a
claim, or conclusion, and which include at least one
reason (premise) for accepting the conclusion."
What is an Argument?

5. Definitions From Famous Authors
Kathleen Dean Moore
“A claim or proposition
put forward along with
reasons or evidence
supporting it.”
Robert Ennis
“An attempt to support
a conclusion by giving
reasons for it.”
Richard Epstein
“An argument is a collection of statements, one of which
is called the conclusion whose truth the argument
attempts to establish; the others are called the premises,
which are supposed to lead to, or support, or convince
that the conclusion is true."

6. So What is an Argument?
•Issues or claims (Propositions)
•Reasons (Premises)
•Conclusion

7. Propositions
• Also called as claims or statements
• A building block of arguments
• Sentences that are either TRUE or FALSE
• NOT QUESTIONS, COMMANDS, OR EXCLAMATIONS

8. Propositions - continued
Statement True False
Malaysia holds General Election every
five years.

Hatim is a weight-lifter. 
An argument is another form of
explanation.

Aiman is Dr Fariza’s only son. 

9. Propositions - continued
• Arguments can have more than one proposition.
• “Smoking is bad for you, you shouldn’t do it.”
• “Smoking is bad for you.”
• “You shouldn’t do it.”

10. Propositions - continued
• Beware, sometimes a sentence may seem to
include two propositions, but does not.
• “If Ali goes to party, then Salmah stays at home.”
• A relationship that has TWO parts.

11. Propositions - continued
• Opinions
• A belief that we accept, though without certainty.
• Our views about
• religion, government, life, art, literature, music, study
• If such statements are not propositions, then they are
not true or false, and there is no need to offer reasons
in support of them.

12. Purpose of Arguments
• A specific purpose, to convince or persuade a
listener or reader.
• Different from sets of propositions that instruct, give
directions, report or inform.

13. Are these
forms of
arguments?

14. So How Do We Know An Argument?
Ask yourself the questions,
• "Is this passage trying to convince me of
something."
• If the answer to this question is "yes,"
then ask, "What claim or conclusion is
the passage intended to convince me to
accept?"
• After identifying the conclusion, ask,
"What reasons are given for me to
accept this conclusion?"
Remember that so long as you have a conclusion and at least
one reason or premise, the passage is an argument.

15. Premise Indicators
• Since…
• Because…
• For…
• In view of…
• This is implied by
• In light of…
• Given that …
• For that reason

16. Conclusion Indicators
• Thus
• Therefore…
• Hence…
• This shows that…
• This suggests that…
• Consequently…
• So…
• Accordingly…
• This implies that…
• This proves that…

17. An Example
• “Encik Fauzi has served in UiTM for twenty years and has
extensive experience in teaching and administration. You should
support him for the next Vice Chancelor of UiTM.”
• "Since you should support Encik Fauzi for Vice Chancelor,
therefore he has served in UiTM for twenty years and has
extensive experience in teaching and administration.”
• "Since Encik Fauzi has served in UiTM for twenty years and has
extensive experience in teaching and administration, therefore
you should support him for Vice Chancelor."

18. Exercise 1
1) To install the program, you must first put the CD in the player.
2) Open up the File Manager, click on "Run" and type in "D: Install."
3) After the program is loaded, you will need to restart the
computer to use the program.
Is this an argument?

19. Exercise 2
1) All of this talk about banning guns makes me sick!
2) Isn't it obvious that if we ban guns, law-abiding citizens will not
own them, while only the criminals will have them?

20. Exercise 3
1) Two teenagers saw the movie, "Natural Born Killers," and went
out on a killing spree.
2) A number of teenagers who have committed violence at schools
have spent many hour playing video games filled with murder
and violence.
3) We must have some stricter controls on the content of
entertainment that is viewed by teenagers.

21. Exercise 4
1) Research has shown that people who do at least 30 minutes a day
of vigorous exercise reduce their risk of heart disease and some
forms of cancer.
2) It would be wise for you to begin a daily program of exercise.

22. Activity: Provide Your Arguments
• Effective from today, 15th October 2015, toll rates have been
increased by at least 20% - 80%. The Government said that the
increase is necessary as we can build more schools and hospitals
for the betterment of Malaysians.
• Do you agree with the Government? Provide your arguments!