PHIL 347 WEEK 2 CHECKPOINT REVIEW

Briefly state how the text defines “claim.” Your Answer: The book defines the word "claim" as the statement that the maker of the argument is seeking to justify or show to be true. The argument's claim is also known as the argument's conclusion. Reread the section in the text entitled “Two Confusions to Avoid” in Chapter 5. From what you read there, construct a definition of the term “argument” that includes both what the term is, in the context of this chapter, and what it is not. Your Answer: In the context of the chapter, the term "argument" means a presentation of two or more claims and having evidence to support those claims and possibly persuade the other side to support your way of thinking. An argument, in the context of the chapter, is respectful, reasonable, and constructive. This is unlike what most people think an argument is. An argument, in the context of this chapter, is not a quarrel. It is not disrespectful or overly emotional. That is what an argument means in this chapter. Question 3 10 / 10 pts What questions does the text suggest we ask to distinguish conclusions and reasons?