Practical Guide to Clear Thought Ep.12

How is an argument horizontally developed into a case?
An argument is horizontally developed into a case when we seek further proof of the conclusion. New premisses must then be provided, to form new arguments with the same conclusion. This collection of several arguments leading to the same conclusion makes up a case. Notice that the basic anatomy of premisses and conclusion is maintained.

If the basic anatomy is maintained, are arguments similarly evaluated?
Yes, with one distinction. How we evaluate an argument depends on whether it is a deductive argument or an inductive argument.

What is a deductive argument?
A deductive argument is when we argue from the general (all cases) to the particular (one or a few cases). Here's an example: "All men are mortal. Socrates is a man. Therefore Socrates is mortal."

What is an inductive argument?
An inductive argument is when we argue from the particular (one or a few cases) to the general (all cases). For example: "Socrates is a man. Socrates is mortal. Therefore all men are mortal."

Next: How do we evaluate a deductive argument?

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