Page 66 - Smart Thinking: Skills for Critical Understanding and Writing, 2nd Ed

UNDERSTANDING THE LINKS BETWEEN CLAIMS 53

Review

In this chapter we have explored, in considerable depth, how linking between
claims works in practice. Links between premises allow us to express the
complexities that underlie any summary 'reason'. The key property of claims
to be noted here is that a claim contains an internal connection, which then
is used as the basis for a chain of external links. Sometimes, a premise
functions to frame our argument or define some key term. Sometimes we will
encounter a single independent premise, but the connection between this
premise and its conclusion is weakened by the absence of explicit claims,
which are needed to make that connection clear.
The central idea behind developing our use of dependent premise chains
is that, when premises add together [+], they do so in relation to the next
logical link, from premises to conclusion [4]. This arrow is used, in the
analytical structure, to represent a relationship that is not just plucked from
thin air but which exists implicitly in the claims that are the premises. In
making this link, we must be careful that there is a consistency in the scope,
certainty, and value between premises and conclusion.

CONCEPT CHECK

The following terms and concepts are introduced in this chapter. Before checking
in the Glossary, write a short definition of each term:
circular reasoning
defining premise

dependent premise
framing premise
independent premise

reason
sweeping generalisation

Review exercise 4

Answer briefly the following questions, giving, where possible, an example in your
answer that is different from those used in this book:
a. What distinguishes a 'reason' from a premise?
b. What is the difference between a dependent premise and an independent
premise?