What is Argument: Definition and 388 Discussions

In logic and philosophy, an argument is a series of statements (in a natural language), called the premises or premisses (both spellings are acceptable), intended to determine the degree of truth of another statement, the conclusion. The logical form of an argument in a natural language can be represented in a symbolic formal language, and independently of natural language formally defined "arguments" can be made in math and computer science.
Logic is the study of the forms of reasoning in arguments and the development of standards and criteria to evaluate arguments. Deductive arguments can be valid or sound: in a valid argument, premisses necessitate the conclusion, even if one or more of the premises is false and the conclusion is false; in a sound argument, true premises necessitate a true conclusion. Inductive arguments, by contrast, can have different degrees of logical strength: the stronger or more cogent the argument, the greater the probability that the conclusion is true, the weaker the argument, the lesser that probability. The standards for evaluating non-deductive arguments may rest on different or additional criteria than truth—for example, the persuasiveness of so-called "indispensability claims" in transcendental arguments, the quality of hypotheses in retroduction, or even the disclosure of new possibilities for thinking and acting.

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  1. P

    Need help with argument about wave equation

    in the equation v=f /lambda can you use c instead of v for wavespeed?
  2. N

    Complex analysis proof with residue theorem, argument principle

    Homework Statement Let C be a regular curve enclosing the distinct points w1,..., wn and let p(w)= (w-w1)(w-w2)...(w-wn). Suppose that f(w) is analytic in a region that includes C. Show that P(z)= (1/2\pii)∫(f(w)\divp(w))\times((p(w)-p(z)\div(w-z))\timesdw is a polynomial of degree n-1...
  3. R

    Help settle an argument Mass system on frictionless pulleys

    Homework Statement I got into a disagreement with a fellow student today. He insisted that it's possible to simplify the system on the right as the system on the left. I agree with him that the difference in potential energy (and, therefore, the kinetic energy) is the same but I insist that...
  4. B

    Complex Numbers: Equation involving the argument operator.

    Homework Statement Question: Homework Equations Any relevant to complex numbers. The Attempt at a Solution Given, Arg(\frac{z}{w})= Arg(z)-Arg(w) z=x+yi z1 = -1-2i z2 = 2+3i Arg(z-z1)=Arg(z2-z1) LHS: Arg(x+yi+1+2i) Arg((x+1) + i(y+2)) tan(\theta)=\frac{y+2}{x+1}...
  5. M

    Fortran Rank mismatch in argument (Fortran 90)

    Hello everyone, i am dealing with the code which can help me to solve fluid dynamics problems with using LBM methods. Anyways, since i am beginner on Fortran i couldn't solve the rank mismatch error, i think it is easy one but i just can't fix it, i am waiting for your help. Here is the problem...
  6. M

    Using a semicolon in a functin argument. eg. f = f(x, y; t)

    Hi I've seen this a few times, where we say f = f(x, y; t) for example, without a proper definition or any guidelines of usage. In my mind I read this as "f is a function over x and y, but it is also dependent on t although this is usually a fixed parameter", even though we might have some...
  7. R

    MATLAB Frisbee flight in Matlab, can't run (Input argument x is undefined)

    Frisbee flight in Matlab, can't run (Input argument "x" is undefined) I'm trying to use a frisbee flight simulation made by Sarah Hummel, but I'm having a hard time running it in Matlab. I get the first message when I press run in the program and the one in red when running in the...
  8. B

    Where is the error in this argument

    It is possible to do this and it is correct: \log \left[\sqrt{i}\right] = \log\left\{\exp\left[\frac{i}{2}\left(\frac{\pi}{2}+2\pi n\right)\right]\right\} = \frac{i}{2}\left(\frac{\pi}{2} + 2\pi n\right) = i\left(\frac{\pi}{4} + \pi n\right) But: \log \left[i^2 \right] =...
  9. Vorde

    Philosophical Nothingness Argument - Jim Holt

    I recently received Why Does the World Exist by Jim Holt. I haven't gotten around to reading anything but the first chapter, but the book opens with a rather interesting paragraph: The book then starts on a completely different note, and from my skimming it doesn't seem to treat this...
  10. alyafey22

    MHB Proof of Argument Theorem

    \text{I will prove the Argument THM } \text{If f(z) is a function that is analytic in a closed simple curved }\gamma \text{ and has M Poles , and N Zeors inside }\gamma \text{Then : }\frac{1}{2i\pi } \oint_{\gamma}\, \frac{f'(z)}{f(z)}\, dz \,=\, N-M \text{Assume : }f(z) =...
  11. L

    What is the Precise Heuristic Argument that Leads to Noether's Theorem

    Hi, I'm confused about the exact interpretation of Noether's theorem for fields. I find that the statement of the theorem and its proof are not presented in a precise manner in books. My main question is: what is the precise heuristic argument that leads to Noether's theorem? The question...
  12. C

    Question about diagonal argument

    I thought I understood cantors diagonal argument but then I started to rethink it. Why couldn't i just line up all the decimal numbers with the the odd natural numbers. Then when we create a new decimal that is on my list I will line it up with an even number because I haven't used any of...
  13. J

    Interesting argument between friends

    So recently I have gotten in a heated argument with my friend about heating his apartment (no pun intended). Here is the argument: My EE friend has a theoretical heater which runs on 1000 watts of power. In his apartment he also has another electronic device (ie. a computer, a television...
  14. bcrowell

    Penrose's argument that q.g. can't remove the Big Bang singularity

    I came across this argument in the book The Nature of Space and Time, which is based on a series of lectures given by Hawking and Penrose. Although it relates to Penrose's Weyl curvature hypothesis (WCH), it does not depend on it, and that, to me, makes it a lot more interesting, since I...
  15. B

    The argument of the change of units

    Hello. I have a problem with the statement that specific values, like the speed of light, have no meaning because we can change these values by a change of units. For measures attached with units the value(number) has no meaning "per se", I'm ok with that. (Unlike pure numbers like ratios...
  16. J

    Simple argument for a linear cosmology

    Starting with the Robertson-Walker metric \large ds^2 = -dt^2 + a^2(t) [ \frac{dr^2}{1-kr^2} + r^2(d\theta^2+\sin^2\theta d\phi^2] Consider a light ray emitted at the Big Bang traveling radially outwards from our position. Therefore we have: ds = 0 d\theta = d\phi = 0 Substituting...
  17. U

    Solve Argument of sin \frac{8∏}{5} + i

    Homework Statement arg \left\{ sin \frac{8∏}{5} + i \left( 1 + cos\frac{8∏}{5}\right) \right\} Homework Equations The Attempt at a Solution 2sin \frac{4∏}{5} cos \frac{4∏}{5} + i2cos^{2} \frac{4∏}{5} \left(cos2θ=2cos^{2}θ-1 and sin2θ=2sinθcosθ\right) After simplification what...
  18. D

    Proof of the Laplace transformation of the Bessel function with square argument

    Homework Statement Could anyone help me please? I would like to know the proof of the following Laplace transform pair: Homework Equations \mathcal{L}_{t \rightarrow s} \left\{ J_0 \left( a\sqrt{t^2-b^2} \right) \right\}=\frac{e^{-b\sqrt{s^2+a^2}}}{\sqrt{s^2+a^2}} The Attempt at a Solution...
  19. M

    Java [Javascript?] Using a function as an argument for another function

    var square = function (x) { return x * x; }; var cube = function (x) { return square * x; }; This is my shot, its not right. Please indicate or suggest the correct answear. :)
  20. L

    Complex-valued function - finding argument and magnitude

    Homework Statement Let H(ω) be a complex-value function of the real variable ω. For each of the cases below, find |H(ω)| and argH(ω). a: H(ω)= 1/(1+iω)^10 b: H(ω)=(-2-iω)/(3+iω)^2 Homework Equations The Attempt at a Solution Our prof has not taught how to do these types of questions in...
  21. L

    Conjugation of Complex Functions in Partial Differential Equations

    I'm in truble with a partial differential equation. Actually it is a system of PDE but It would be useful to solve at least one of them. The most easy one is this one 2 \bar{\xi}\left(\bar{s},\bar{t},\bar{u}\right) - 2 \xi\left(s,t,u\right) +...
  22. B

    First Order Differential Equation with Reflected Argument

    I am trying to solve: (x + 1 + f(-x) )(1 - f ' (x) ) = x+1 f(0) = x_0 x in (-1,1) I approximated it numerically but any analytic method I try fails. Any ideas?
  23. A

    Simple argument that a force applied farther from the rotation axis

    Torque is defined as: τ = rxF this means that the farther from the rotation axis of a body a force is applied, the more it will tend to rotate the body. My question is: Can anybody give me a simple argument that a force applied farther from the rotation axis should be better at...
  24. H

    Can someone resolve an argument over audio amplifier and wiring theory?

    Hey, I'm sorry to bother you guys but I got a quick question I was hoping you guys could answer. I was just hoping someone had a definitive explination as to why a $500 audio amplifier that can put out 200 watts per channel will sound exactly the same as a $10,000 amplifier putting out 200 watts...
  25. A

    Undefined argument for a complex number

    z is a complex number such that z = \frac{a}{1+i} + \frac{b}{1-3i} where a and b are real. If arg(z) = -\frac{\pi}{2} and |z|= 4, find the values of a and b.I got as far as z = (\frac{a}{2} + \frac{b}{10}) + i(\frac{3b}{10} - \frac{a}{2}) by simplifying the original expression. Then I...
  26. T

    Fortran Fortran 90: dinamic matrix valued function as argument

    hello, I'm trying to write a program with a subroutine that can handle array valued functions of different dimensions, I'm new to fortran 90 so i have some troubles. Here's what i tried: program passing use functions use sub_mod implicit none integer, dimension(2,2):: a2 integer...
  27. L

    Stirling's approximation for Gamma functions with a negative argument

    Hi, fellow physicists (to be). This is my first post on the forum, so I hope I get it right. If not so, please let me know :) introduction to the problem At the moment I am working on my physics bachelor's thesis at the theoretical department of my university (Amsterdam). My thesis focusses...
  28. B

    Proving the validity of this argument

    Either sales or expenses will go up. If sales go up, then the boss will be happy. If expenses go up, then the boss will be unhappy. Therefore, sales and expenses will not both go up. How would I go about breaking this apart? My attempt goes like this S- be sales go up E- expenses go up...
  29. H

    Which Argument is Correct? Solving a Limit Puzzle

    Homework Statement lim_{x→∞}( \frac{x^x}{(x+1)^x} )^2 2. The attempt at a solution Well this limit is actually my most recent step to solving this problem. The initial problem was determining whether or not the following infinite series converges: \sum{(\frac{k}{k+1})^{2k^2}} The...
  30. S

    How to pass derived type argument to a subroutine

    Hi all ! I have a derived type as: TYPE type_atom_type_info integer:: type_code character(len=4)::type_cname real(kind=dbl)::mass end TYPE type_atom_type_info I have an array of this type as: TYPE(type_atom_type_info) atom_type_info(250) I want to pass this array to a...
  31. Femme_physics

    PNP transistor and argument with my teacher

    I just had arguments with my teacher about my test answer in class. I'm a little upset, but maybe I'm acting like a spoilt brat (I'll be the first to admit it) I went out and I'm using a hallway computer in my college so I can't post images. I still disagree with him-- But I'll try to explain it...
  32. J

    The precision of the argument function error message, graph not plotted

    "The precision of the argument function" error message, graph not plotted I've got a function, integratedadvthirdaltb, that I'm trying to use in plotting some graphs: thirdaltb[KP_, Ps_, C_, M_] := NSolve[Sqrt[2*M]*b + InverseCDF[NormalDistribution[0, 1], Ps]*...
  33. A

    Why is the range of argument z

    Why is the range of argument z more than -∏ and less than or equal to ∏?
  34. M

    Command line argument in fortarn 77

    Hi, How can I pass command line argument in FORTRAN 77, like in C/C++? Thanks.
  35. E

    Help wanted to show given formula for argument of given complex number is valid.

    Homework Statement 37. Let ##z=\frac{i(1+is)}{1-is}## where ##s\epsilon\mathbb{R}##. (a) Show that $$\text{Arg}(z)= \begin{cases} \quad\frac{\pi}{2}+2\arctan s & \qquad \text{for}\quad s\leq1,\\ -\frac{3\pi}{2}+2\arctan s & \qquad\text{for}\quad s>1. \end{cases}$$ Homework...
  36. R

    Black holes and an argument I'm in

    Ok so I am in an argument with my mother about the nature of black holes. She is religious and has classical physics knowledge up to degree level (she has a master's in mechanical engineering) and is very, very stubborn. Ok so she has a theory that physicists have simply arrogantly overlooked...
  37. D

    MHB Application of the Argument Principle NO ROUCHE

    For a fixed number a, find the number of solutions $z^5+2z^3-z^2+z=a$ satisfying $\text{Re} \ z>0$. Not to sure on how to tackle this one.
  38. S

    Subroutine in subroutine argument problem

    I'm having a problem with the argument of a subroutine which I didn't write myself, but should be working as intended. I'm supposed to write my own subroutine named funcs(a,b,c). Then this subroutine that I got has funcs as one of it's arguments subr(a,b,c,funcs,..) and it says in the...
  39. P

    Is this a valid argument about box topology?

    Given the following sequence in the product space R^ω, such that the coordinates of x_n are 1/n, x1 = {1, 1, 1, ...} x2 = {1/2, 1/2, 1/2, ...} x3 = {1/3, 1/3, 1/3, ...} ... the basis in the box topology can be written as ∏(-1/n, 1/n). However, as n becomes infinitely large, the basis...
  40. A

    Why Does This Seemingly Nonsensical Argument Hold?

    I've sometimes seen this argument being used: The amount of vectors with a given velocity is propotional to the area of the sphere given by: 4πv2, because there are more vectors corresponding to bigger speeds. But mathematically this is nonsense to me, pretty much like comparing...
  41. W

    Complex analysis: Counting zeros using the argument principle

    Homework Statement Gamelin VIII.1.6 (8.1.6) "For a fixed number a, find the number of solutions of z^5+2z^3-z^2+z=a satisfying Re z > 0" Homework Equations The argument principle relating the change in the argument to the number of zeros and poles of the function on the domain. The...
  42. C

    The principle argument when no imaginary part

    Homework Statement Its not really a problem I was just wondering if the argument for any negative real number but no imaginary part was always = to pi? ie -1, -2,-3, -0.65... is the arg(z)=pi for all these cases if so I am guessing for positive real numbers with no imaginary part then...
  43. marcus

    Foundations argument: Silberstein et al engage Hiley-channeling-Bohm

    "Foundations" argument: Silberstein et al engage Hiley-channeling-Bohm Foundations of Physics (ed. 't Hooft) has accepted this Silberstein et al paper for publication. http://inspirehep.net/record/922919?ln=en which seems to me to resurrect some Bohm trends of thought, perhaps in a new form...
  44. L

    Are the premises of the Kalam cosmological argument correct?

    The Kalam cosmological argument as presented by William Lane Craig is as follows: 1. Whatever begins to exist has a cause of its existence. 2. The universe began to exist. (semi-intellectual nonsense involving infinity) 3. Therefore, the universe has a cause of its...
  45. S

    Argument: stiffness of divided spring + angle of evaluation

    This is not a HW question, but a question that I need help solving. I am having an argument with a co-worker about the solution. There is a 4ft sq sheet of plywood with an 18" wide rubber band stretched across it. To measure the spring constant (stiffness) of the rubber band a 6" diameter...
  46. G

    Type/rank mismatch in argument

    Hi, I'm allocating the dimension of some arrays once I have calculated steps, then I send the allocated arrays to a function but I have the error Type/rank mismatch in argument 'a'. What am I doing wrong? Cheers integer i, steps, noutput, savestep double integrationtime...
  47. Saladsamurai

    Sentential Logic: Is the argument valid?

    Homework Statement I am going over the first chapter of Velleman's How to Prove It. I have never studied logic before and while I understand most of what is happening, I am not sure that I am understanding how to transform sentences into symbols that can be tested. One of the exercises asks...
  48. M

    Calling function with no input argument

    Hi guys, I am going to ask another very stupid question. But surprisingly, I could not find any help on it on internet. My question is: I have defined a function which doesn't take any any input and one output. When I called it, the program halts. I have checked the function and it is...
  49. J

    Help my dad and I settle a argument

    My dad has a car lift in his garage with arms that swing out and extend under the car. He says that when you are lowering the lift without a vehicle on it if you stand on the end of the arm then it will apply more downward force causing the lift to lower faster. I think that it doesn't matter...
  50. T

    Debating Garage Refrigerator Temperature Settings

    My wife and I have been debateing this (some would call it an argument) but here goes. We live in mich and gets real cold here. We have a regular refridgerator that we keep in the garage which is unheated and uninsulated. The debate is if the thermostate in the refridg is set at about 35...
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