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. A

    Complex Conjugate: just replace i by -i even in denominator or inside argument?

    to get a Complex Conjugate of a #, is it ok to just replace i by -i even in denominator or inside argument?
  2. S

    What is the correct way to find the argument of a complex number?

    Homework Statement I have a complex number z=1-i I want to find the argument of this complex number Homework Equations The angle it makes with the positive real axis is arctan(1/1)=pi/4 The Attempt at a Solution This point lies in the fourth quadrant of the argand diagram...
  3. A

    Functions - the fallacy in this argument

    I'm asked to find the fallacy in this argument sin ≣ sin(π - x) Hence, f(sin x) = f(sin(π-x)) Let f(x) = x sin x Then x sin x = (π - x)sin(π-x) x = π - x Hence π = 2x and since x is any value we choose, so is π The fourth line, where the author says the x in front of the sin x is also...
  4. B

    Yet Another Argument With Science Television: Ancient Civilization Naturally Nuked

    Right now I'm watching "Civilization Lost" on the H2 CHannel, and they just discussed an idea I've heard before, concerning the possibility of a nuclear fission detonation of natural origin having destroyed an African civilization. I don't buy that. :mad: I mean, even those of us who...
  5. L

    How does special relativity handle acceleration?

    I'd just like someone to clarify that my argument is correct here. Assume twin A stays on Earth and B goes 2 light years away and then back to Earth at a velocity of 0.8c From Earth frame of reference: Twin A makes the calculation that 2/0.8=2.5 years will be needed for the outward...
  6. T

    Comp Sci Java Error: The operator > is undefined for the argument type(s) E, E

    Hello. The method here is to add an item to a heap. As the title states, I am getting the error "The operator > is undefined for the argument type(s) E, E" in the parenthesis after the while. I assume this is not the correct way to compare E values. Does anybody know what would be the correct...
  7. R

    Statistics of sinc function with normal argument

    Hi, Can anyone point me to the pdf, cdf, moments, etc of y = sinc(x) = sin(pi*x)/(pi*x) where x ~ N(0,s^2)? Thanks!
  8. F

    Sequence inequality, epsilon N argument

    Homework Statement I already have the solutions, but I am not sure what the solutions are trying to say. http://img194.imageshack.us/img194/2595/unledlvc.jpg So in I don't understand this, we have n > \frac{1}{\epsilon} and If (and I am guessing we really want this to...
  9. A

    What is the Argument of (z+i)/(z-1) when it equals 3π/2?

    Homework Statement Hey all. I am trying to get ready for my upcomming calculus exam, but I am kind of stuck here. I have to solve: arg((z+i)/(z-1))=3π/2 Homework Equations ehm none The Attempt at a Solution Tried to fill in z=a+bi: (a+bi+i)/(a-1+bi) then multiply it with its...
  10. S

    What is the term for the argument in a logarithm function?

    If I have log a b = c, what is the term for the value b? I know that a is the base and c is the exponent, but I can't think of what b is called! While I am at it, in ab = c, what exactly is c called? The power? Would that make b from the previous example the power as well? I have a...
  11. bohm2

    Albert's narrative argument against Everett-type theories

    I hope this didn't come up and I'm not just repeating it but I did a search and couldn't find anything on it. So, how convincing do others find Albert’s narrative argument against the advantages of Everett-type theories: If all this is right, then many-worlds and many-minds and...
  12. J

    Tell if this Argument is valid (Propositional Logic)?

    Tell if this Argument is valid (Propositional Logic)? P = If a man is bachelor he is unhappy Q= if a man is unhappy he dies young C = so the conclusion will be Bachelors die young is his right ? This we have to write this in this form is this correct ----> means implies Q ---> Q Q...
  13. C

    Is there intelligent life out there? I have a strong argument that says no.

    ...or maybe not a definate "no", but a positive "much more rare than scientists predict". I have been pondering this question, and every scientist I hear speak on the matter does the famous "alien life equation". What they fail to do is factor in a few variables along with how many planets...
  14. A

    Uncertainty Propagation Argument

    A while back, one of my undergraduate physics professors gave an argument for why the uncertainty in a function or quantity F is given by \Delta F = \sqrt{^{N}_{i-1}\sum(\frac{\partial F}{\partial x_{i}})^{2}(\Delta x_{i})^{2}} He argued to think of a right triangle and think of...
  15. K

    Is the Number of Binary Sequences Countable or Uncountable?

    I was reading this up on Wiki so I'll just give a quick overview and then ask my question. Let \cal{S} be an infinite sequence of sequences (s_1,\; s_2,\: s_3,...,\; s_n) such that each s_i contains an infinite amount of elements that are either a 0 or a 1. The sequence \cal{S} is countable...
  16. Pengwuino

    Photon energy argument against cell phones causing cancer

    I remember reading on this forum (probably) about how it was physically impossible for cell phones to cause damage to DNA. A microwave photon has energy in the meV range. My biology and chemistry aren't all that great, and what little I could properly google gave me the idea that molecular bonds...
  17. ThomasT

    News A reply to an argument against government aid to the poor

    In a recent thread, "Are pell grants 'welfare'?", I agreed that Pell grants are welfare, and stated: To which jambaugh replied: With which I disagreed, and below I address the rest of his reply. I don't understand what you mean by "coerced redistribution of wealth". Who is coercing, who is...
  18. S

    When does the argument of a complex number follow the sum of angles formula?

    When is it true that \arg\left(z_1 z_2\right) = \arg(z_1) + \arg(z_2) ?
  19. H

    Thermodynamics, positive pressure argument

    I'm having a argument with a mechanical engineer concerning positive pressure in a room. I was hoping someone could shed light on this. We both agree (of course) that pumping air into a room that will keep the room under positive pressure (relative to the outside) given that the room isn't...
  20. M

    MATLAB Solving 2nd Order ODE with MATLAB:Input Argument "a" is Undefined

    hi i am trying to solve second order ODE in MATLAB but when i write my scribt and call into the command window using ode45 i get input argument "a" is undefined i have spent so much time trying to figure out what the problem is but unsuccessful. the function is as follows function...
  21. S

    Argument that all computable universes are real

    argument that all computable universes are "real" I haven't been on this forum in a while, and I'm sure this kind of thing has been talked about many times, but I thought I'd bring it up again so I could discuss it with you guys. Here's my argument. Start with a human being named John. He...
  22. PainterGuy

    Are words argument and parameter interchangeable cs

    hello everyone, :wink: one short question. it is said function sqrt() takes argument inside the parenthesis. sometimes word parameter is also used. are they interchangeable? i am speaking in terms of c++. is int main() has any similarity to math functions such as f(x)=2x+7. but the problem...
  23. A

    What is the argument of j^4?

    okie ... one attempt as i see it ... argument of j is pie/2 ... so argument of j^2 will be pie square/ 4 and so on ... is it right?
  24. Femme_physics

    What is the meaning of argument in the following phrase?

    What is the meaning of "argument" in the following phrase?... Can someone define "argument" in this context? (attached file) I never heard it before so it confuses me...
  25. B

    Is Complexity in the Universe Emergent from Simpler Systems?

    While discussing cosmology and quantum mechanics with a colleague, a strange idea began to emerge in our collective argument, and I was wondering if someone here could comment on the plausibility of this argument. The argument goes as follows, if we establish as an absolute truth that...
  26. G

    Rest Length, Coordinate Length, and an argument for True Length

    In an earlier thread, I asserted that a rod has one true length, its rest length. If so, then the shorter coordinate length which is measured in some other frame must be somehow untrue. In this thread I argue that the coordinate length is a distorted view of the true length. In the graphic...
  27. I

    Proving Validity of Argument Form with Contrapositive and Modus Ponens

    Homework Statement a) p b) ~q -> ~p c) q -> r d) (r V t)-> s proves e) s Use a demonstration to show the following argument form is valid Homework Equations The Attempt at a Solution 1) ~q-> ~p proves p -> q contrapositive 2) p-> q , p proves q...
  28. T

    Argument Of Transfer Function - What does arg(T(w)) mean in real life

    Hi, I have a question something along the lines of Here is a low pass filter, when the resistor = R and the capacitor = C. There is a sinusoidal voltage input source (V1) and a voltage across the capacitor (V2). The transfer function is T(w) = V2/V1. Determine the |T(w)| and arg(T(w)) where...
  29. A

    The argument of something from nothing

    Science AND logic both dictate that we deal with what we know through observation and testing. Science has observed phenominon(sic) that indicates this universe had a specific starting point. Science has indicated that, before that starting point, there was nothing - absolute nothing. Science...
  30. N

    Finding Argument of Complex Number Given Equations

    Homework Statement let z , w be complex nos. such that z + i ( conjugate of w ) = 0 and zw = pi . Then find arg z.. Homework Equations The Attempt at a Solution well i m unable to understand wat is meant by zw=pi...
  31. L

    Determining Validity of Argument Using Indirect Truth Table

    The argument is: ~(A^B) / (~A^~B) -> (C^D) / D->C // C I've attached the truth values that I've filled in. I have difficulty in determining the truth values of A and B since I can't get any clue from other statements. Any advice would be appreciated.
  32. T

    Rearranging an expression in sqrt argument

    Homework Statement Rearranging an equation...can't quite see how it's done. Homework Equations r=\sqrt{2.5^{2}cos^{2}(t/2)+5^{2}sin^{2}(t/2)} r=2.5\sqrt{cos^{2}(t/2)+4sin^{2}(t/2)} r=2.5\sqrt{1+3sin^{2}(t/2)} The Attempt at a Solution I know that cos^{2}(x)+sin^{2}(x)=1 but...
  33. G

    Rebutting Fixed Earth Argument: A Response

    the other day i read this argument for the idea that the Earth doesn't rotate upon its axis. the argument goes like this: “Two birds fly from a branch of a tree with equal speed to that of the earth’s rotation which is 1036 mph and one flies to the east and the other to the west. The one...
  34. I

    Possible argument in favor of many worlds interpretation

    Please forgive me if I am hideously wrong in any of my points. I am not terribly well-versed in quantum physics. Alright. This all began when I was thinking of a somewhat speculative and arguably philosophical idea that probably wouldn't have much of a place on this forum. My train of...
  35. I

    How to deal with long argument list

    Hi everyone, So I'm familiar with the popular advice that global variables should be avoided whenever possible, but I'm wondering how seriously people in scientific programming obey this rule of thumb. I am current engaged in writing some code for semiconductor transport, and I'm finding that...
  36. Q

    [pointless argument] Why are teleporters impossible

    I was thinking of a kind of teleporter common in science fiction: the door that when you enter, you pop out somewhere else. This kind of teleporter violates the first law of thermodynamics! Energy cannot be destroyed or created. If we put two teleporting doors like this...
  37. J

    Prove by induction or any other logical argument

    Homework Statement Songs of the Martian classical period had just two notes (let us call them x and y) and were constructed according to rigorous rules: I. the sequence consisting of no notes was deemed to be a song (perhaps the most pleasant); II. a sequence starting with x, followed by...
  38. J

    How to Prove f(A and B) is in f(A) and f(B) Using Element Argument

    So X, Y = non-empty sets, and f = function (X,Y) I have to show that f(A and B) (c underlined) f(A) and f(B) using element argument. I have no idea - started with choosing x as a particular but arbitrarily chosen element of f(A and B) so now I have to show it is in f(A) and f(B)...
  39. N

    The argument of a complex number

    Homework Equations I was just wondering, how do you guys get the argument value from a complex number without using any calculator, i know that some solutions may be impossible to get without a calculator but just finding some of the easier angles. The Attempt at a Solution...
  40. L

    Argument against Dark Matter - please enjoy yourself for a moment

    Hi. I just had to share this little gem. Regardless of your points of view on Dark Matter versus other ideas (ie MOND in this case), this webpage is so well done and funny if you're a geek like me. (a conversation between Arnold Schwarzenegger and a physicist)...
  41. B

    Time Dilation Debate: Arguments For and Against

    I am interested in a reason as to why time dilation is not possible. I have done some sloppy google research and have found few people that think it is false. Is there anyone that could give me a basic explanation of why it might not be true? other than the fact there is no proof of it.
  42. A

    Complex number argument and module

    Homework Statement z=\frac{(1-3i)^{100} * i * (7-5i)}{5+7i} Homework EquationsFind module and argument of z. The Attempt at a Solution Assuming: |z_1 * z_2| = |z_1||z_2| |z|=\frac{|1-3i|^{100} * |i| * |7-5i|}{|5+7i|} And now calculate each module individually by "Pythagoras theorems"...
  43. A

    How to defeat this anti-evolution argument?

    A creationist raised dog as an example, saying what we call dogs, are actually sub-species of grey wolf, thus they are also wolves, thus micro evolution is possible, but from a more macro angle, dog didn't evolve at all, how to counter this argument? He admits current taxonomy, so I would...
  44. heusdens

    Kalam cosmological argument & Refutation

    Anyone familiar with the Kalam cosmoligical argument, and has a valid refutation. [I have one, will post it later on] For Kalam cosmological argument, see Wikipedia
  45. J

    Argument against computer consciousness

    I was wondering what people think of the following argument against the idea that consciousness is the result of computation. Imagine to the contrary that a computer becomes consciously aware by running a particular program. Let us assume that the program is enclosed in a loop and is run...
  46. O

    Locally bounded argument

    Having a hard time understanding this example from a book: The function f(x) = 1/x is locally bounded at each point x in the set E = (0,1). Let x \in (0,1). Take \delta_x = x/2, M_x = 2/x. Then f(t) = 1/t <= 2/x = M_x if x/2 = x-\delta_x < t < x + \delta_x This argument is false since...
  47. N

    Cosmological argument in 1st order logic?

    So I've been discussing this alleged proof with another person, and I was wondering what are the issues with Dr. William S. Hatcher's proposal. His entire process can be found http://www.onecountry.org/e102/e10214xs.htm", but it can be summed up into three axioms 1) Principle of sufficient...
  48. A

    Exponential integral with trigonometric argument

    Hi, Does anyone know of an analytic solution for the integral \int_{0}^{\pi}\sin\theta\exp\left(a\sin^{2}\theta+b\sin\theta\right)d\theta Thanks.
  49. R

    The no miracles argument against scientific realism

    The "no miracles" argument against scientific realism Let's assume that our best scientific theories tell us something true about the way the world *really* is, in an ontological sense. And further, for simplicity, let's assume a deterministic interpretation of those theories. In this view...
  50. russ_watters

    Help Me Win An Argument With My Boss

    Yeah, that's right - I'm "That Guy". You know you love these threads... I have an application where I need to be relatively sure of the responsiveness of an HVAC system to a control input. In a lab space that has an air change rate of 6 ACH when unoccupied and 8 ACH when occupied, the HVAC...
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