Argument Pattern Examples

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Argument Pattern Examples

i. Modus Ponens

(1) If A, then B. (1) If I lie, then I’ll be sorry.

(2) A. (2) I’ll lie.

[ B. [ I’ll be sorry.

ii. Disjunctive Argument

(1) Either A or B. (1) Either I should exercise or I should diet.

(2) Not A. (2) I should not exercise.

[ B. [ I should diet.

iii. Modus Tollens

(1) If A, then B. (1) If you study, then you learn.

(2) Not B. (2) You didn’t learn.

[ Not A. [ You didn’t study.

iv. Hypothetical Argument

(1) If A, then B. (1) If I pay now, then I’ll save.

(2) If B, then C. (2) If I’ll save, then I’ll have money later.

[ If A, then C. [ If I pay now, then I’ll have money later.

v. Chain Argument

(1) A. (1) The whole group is coming.

(2) If A, then B. (2) If the whole group is coming, then we’ll need more refreshments.

(3) If B, then C. (3) If we’ll need more refreshments, then we’ll have to go to the store again.

[ C. [ We’ll have to go to the store again.

vi. Predicate Instantiation

(1) All P1s are P2s. (1) All good teachers are sensitive to the needs of students.

(2) m is a P1. (2) Jones is a good teacher.

[ m is a P2. [ Jones is sensitive to the needs of students.

vii. Universal Syllogism

(1) All P1s are P2s. (1) All good teachers treat students with respect.

(2) All P2s are P3s. (2) All who treat students with respect listen to students.

[ All P1s are P3s. [ All good teachers listen to students.