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. E

    Understand Einstein Hole Argument: Norton's Expln & General Covariance

    Could someone please help me understand the Einstein hole argument (as outlined by Norton, see below). In particular the step that says that the second solution within the hole is a valid solution to the generally covariant field equation. I think my understanding of general covariance is at...
  2. Philosophaie

    Determining the Argument of the Perihelion of the Earth: Which Value is Correct?

    I have seen conflicting values for the angle where the Argument of the Perihelion of the Earth or where the Winter Solstice(Dec 21) strikes. This is where the ellipse value of the True Anomaly is zero. The two values are: w=114.20783 @J2000 or w=282.9404*4.70935e-5*d where d is a formula...
  3. A

    Is Cantor's Diagonal Argument Flawed in Its Application to Positive Integers?

    Hi I've some trouble understanding (or maybe accepting) Cantor's diagonal argument. When I was young I had no trouble accepting it and it seemed perfectly logical, but after a long hiatus and returning to my original interests, I seem less than convinced (must be some age-related or brain decay...
  4. H

    Argument about inteference experiments : help me win

    Ok, I've been taught this stuff in school about the particle/wave duality. And what's been always bugging me is that it doesn't really tell me anything : I want a theory that is cohesive without compromises. SO...I was shown an experiment similar to Young's 2 slit experiment. It has a half...
  5. R

    What's Wrong with This Argument? Problem-Solving a Homework Statement

    Homework Statement Our teacher made an unconvincing argument based on this example: If a horizontal force of 15 N were a applied to a 2 kg block, and the work done was 20 J, what distance did the object move? 2. The attempt at a solution Using W=F*d the teacher solved this: 20 J=15 N*x ->...
  6. R

    What's Wrong with this Argument? Understanding the Physics of Work

    Homework Statement Our teacher made an unconvincing argument based on this example: If a horizontal force of 15 N were a applied to a 2 kg block, and the work done was 20 J, what distance did the object move? 2. The attempt at a solution Using W=F*d the teacher solved this: 20 J=15 N*x...
  7. Philosophaie

    Each planet's angle from it's argument of perihelion

    I am looking for a chart for each planet. This chart must contain each planet's angle from it's argument of perihelion for a particular time on Earth time. I am not looking for an ephemeris, I don't think. I need the angle along the eliptical path of the planet or the true anomaly.
  8. Holocene

    Argument for God: Does Nothingness Make Sense?

    Not trying to get into any religious debate here, but often an argument from believers is that, without a god, the universe would've had to "come from nothing". The question is, do we have any reason at all to believe that the "natural" state of affairs should be nothing instead of something...
  9. F

    Simple argument for a deterministic Universe-Please refute

    A friend of mine came up with an annoyingly simple argument for a Newtonian, deterministic, causally necessary universe. I can't see how to refute it Based on 2 things- The "Principle Of Least Action" A particular definition of "Event". That's it! "Principle Of Least Action"- The...
  10. S

    Proving 2Z is Non-Isomorphic to 3Z

    I was proving 2Z is non-isomorphic to 3Z I tried it by contradiction, of course. If possible there exists a ring homomorphism f : 2Z ---> 3Z Then, f (x.y) = f(x).f(y) must hold x,y belong to 2Z So x = 2a, f.s. a belonging to Z y = 2b, f.s. b belonging to Z so x.y = 2z, f.s. z...
  11. F

    Geometric Argument to Solve AP Calculus Problem

    I was given an ap problem in class, specifically: Problem 2:http://www.collegeboard.com/prod_downloads/ap/students/calculus/b_calculus_bc_frq_03.pdf I was able to do it just fine, but then I had the idea to try and solve it geometrically/algebraically. However, I haven't been able to come...
  12. M

    Using Sylow's Counting to Classify Groups of Order 44

    Hi last one here. Any hints on this is appreciated too :) Let G be a group of order 44. Show using Sylow's counting that G has a normal subgroup of order 11. Use the results to classify all groups of order 44.
  13. M

    What are the possible forms and classifications of groups of order 12?

    Hey there guys. Let G be a group of order 12. Show by a Sylow counting argument that if G does not have a normal subgroup of order 3 then it must have a normal subgroup of order 4. Deduce that G has one of the following forms: (i) C_3 \rtimes C_4 (ii) C_3 \rtimes (C_2 \times C_2) (iii) C_4...
  14. M

    MATLAB Matlab Help Input argument undefined

    Dear all. I am trying to solve an ODE in MATLAB using ODE45 solver. But the programe keep saying ? Input argument "y" is undefined. Error in ==> lvv at 4 yprime=[a*y(1)-b*y(1)*y(2);-r*y(2)+c*y(1)*y(2)]; Can anybody be of help? Please. The complete code is this: function...
  15. D

    A simple logical argument for extraterrestrial life?

    Hi, I’ve always had a curious interest in the possibility of extraterrestrial life. As the many years have passed by I have always kept a curious eye out for “incontrovertible” evidence that such life actually exists. One day recently, a logical argument hit me which upon some reflection...
  16. G

    Following Schwartz's argument re: measuring (g-2)

    I've been reading Melvin Schwartz's mostly excellent book, Principles of Electrodynamics. He has a section on measuring (g-2) for the muon, and I'm trying to follow the argument. I've attached the figure for reference. He takes the approach of considering an instantaneously comoving frame...
  17. S

    Heavy stuff philosophy argument diagram

    Can someone summarize the arguments in this passage using premises and conclusions. I appreciate ANY feedback you can offer. "Voting Rights for Children" Passage There is a gaping inconsistency in th logic of our democracy in denying children this fundamental democratic right. Many argue...
  18. M

    Fortran How do I calculate the complex argument in Fortran?

    Hi I need help with programming the following: (T/(T-2*d))^(i*Nu)=exp(-i*Nu*ln|T/(T-2*d)| +Nu*arg(T/(T-2*d)) I don't know how to do the arg bit in Fortran90...this is what I've tried so far A=T/(T-2*DELTA) B=EXP(-CI*NU*LOG(ABS(A))+NU*ARG(A)) but obviously it threw back an error...
  19. J

    Crackpot argument on Physicsforums gets published?

    Crackpot argument on Physicsforums gets published!? Wow, I remember https://www.physicsforums.com/showpost.php?p=1252374&postcount=71" In the paper he repeats his arguments championing an interpretation of D.R. Gagnon et al., Guided-wave measurement of the one-way speed of light, Physical...
  20. I

    Can somebody read this and tell me the flaw in the argument?

    Hi, I was reading this guy's website about the Einstein train and I actually had thought of the same argument a long time ago, but I wasn't sure what to make of it. Can somebody read it and let me know what is going on? http://homepage.mac.com/ardeshir/Einstein'sTrain.html
  21. Δ

    Argument with physics teacher

    Today, I had an argument with my physics teacher about the movement of electrons around the nucleus. I have read way more quantum mechanics than any normal high school student and my teacher is trained as an engineer, not a physicist, but I am not sure if I'm right. His argument was something...
  22. W

    How can Mathematica's ArcTan function be used for complex numbers?

    According to Wolfram's MathWorld, the Inverse Tangent (ArcTan) is a multivalued function. ...but the plot on their website (and the one I just did with my copy of Mathematica) shows it's a one-to-one function. Okay, so it does say the ArcTan[] function returns the Principal Value of...
  23. T

    Help end an argument in regards to perfect release mechanisms

    A friend and i have been arguing for weeks initially starting when we were driving in hisi car and i had a small american football, i contended that if i were to throw it out the car window, at the point of release it would be doing the speed of the car + the speed of my throw relative to the...
  24. O

    Terminal Velocity and Mass Relationship in a Proportionality Argument

    Homework Statement Assume a box is sliding down a ramp with an incline of \theta radians and reaches terminal velocity before arriving at the bottom of the ramp. Assume that the drag force caused by the air is proportional to Sv^2, where S is the cross sectional area perpendicular to the...
  25. M

    Did my co-op experience prove Penn State's preparation for my career?

    Hello everyone.I had to write a 6-7 Page report on my co-op experience and how well did my school (Penn State) prepare me. I had to send in 2 copies to the school while I'm at my co-op. I basically am paying 650 dollars to write this report and get either a PASS/FAIL grade because I had to...
  26. B

    EPR argument - possible outcomes

    Determine the possible outcomes of the measurement Sz for the two electrons \psi = \frac{1}{2} (\psi_{+}(A)\psi_{-}(B)-\psi_{+}(A)\psi_{-}(B)) The Attempt at a Solution Now I know how to work out the outcomes for each of the pairs, but what I'm not sure about is how to handle the...
  27. F

    What is the Argument of a Complex Expression?

    Homework Statement find the argument of-: Z=\frac{\iota-\sqrt{3}}{\iota+\sqrt{3}} Method 1 Z={2e^{\frac{- \iota \pi}{3}} \mbox{ divided by } {2e^{\frac{\iota \pi}{3}} Z=e^{\frac{-2 \iota \pi}{3}} Therefor arg(Z)= \ -\frac{2\pi}{3} Method 2 Z=\frac{4}{1+2\sqrt{3}\iota-3}...
  28. M

    WHat's wrong in my argument?

    I was asked to prove, every punctured open set in R^2 is path connected. My argument : take points x and y. let z be the point we've taken off from U (open). if x, y,z do not pass through a staright line, we have a segment between a and y. Now if the 3, i.e. x,y,z lie on a straight...
  29. P

    Is the Cantor diagonal argument conclusive?

    Cantor diagonal argument-? The following eight statements contain the essence of Cantor's argument. 1. A 'real' number is represented by an infinite decimal expansion, an unending sequence of integers to the right of the decimal point. 2. Assume the set of real numbers in the...
  30. C

    Failure of the sylow counting argument

    show that there is a normal subgroup of G of order 5 when G is a group of order 30. My friend just called me with this problem, he said the usual method of solution fails. (i.e. using sylow and then showing that the subgroup is unique and deducing that it must therefore be normal), I told him to...
  31. O

    ? Input argument y is undefined.

    ? Input argument "y" is undefined. HII Friends Iam little bit new to MATLAB and iam trying to use ode45 and wrote code as function dy = sampleode(t,y) dy=zeros(2,1); dy(1)=-0.192*y(1)*log(y(1)/y(2).^3); dy(2)=(1/3)*(5.85-0.00873*y(2).^2-0.15*0*y(2)-0.02*y(2))...
  32. Alesak

    Derivating polynomial with complex argument

    hello all(where is some waving smiley?) ive got one problem. i have a polynomial, i.e. Ax^n, but x is a complex number. so its A(a+bi)^n and a and b are variables. then i need partial derivative of a with respect to b. so i can simply rewrite it using binomial theorem to A(a^n*b^0*i^0 + ... +...
  33. Astronuc

    Tutorial on Argument and Fallacy

    I stumbled across this and thought some might find it useful. http://www.infidels.org/library/modern/mathew/logic.html and this as well The Argument Clinic - http://www.infidels.org/library/modern/mathew/sn-python.html The objective of argument or disputation is not only take an...
  34. T

    Vacuum - An argument to settle

    In the world of woodworking wood verneer is often glued onto a board by putting the piece into a vacuum bag which applies an even preasure to the verneer giving good claming results. If the vacuum bag was put into a steel container with 14.6 psi or 1 atmosphere in the bag and in the steel...
  35. V

    DISCRETE MATH: Determine whether an argument is correct or not

    Homework Statement Determine whether the argument is correct or incorrect and explain why. A) Everyone enrolled in the university has lived in a dormitory. Mis has never lived in a dormitory. Therefore, Mia is not enrolled in the university. B) A convertible car is fun to drive. Isaac's car...
  36. B

    An argument against string theory; geometry is dynamic

    I'm playing devil's advocate here I want to explore ramifications. According to GR, geometry is dynamic. In string theory, 6-7 dimensions are compactified as a Yau-Calibi manifold. The properties of elementary particles depend on the topology of these manifolds. Presumably any gravitational...
  37. B

    An argument against Background Independence

    We know that in QM and QFT, spacetime is given, fixed, nondynamical stage. We know that gravitons framed as a QFT can give rise to GR as an effective field theory. how do we know that spacetime geometry is dynamical independent of its effects on fermions and bosons? perhaps gravitational...
  38. C

    Third Law Partners: Forces in Action

    ok, got into an argument with a kid in my physics class about this one... Which of the following are third-law partners? a. A thrust force from its propeller pulls a plane forward; a drag force pushes it backward. b. A car exerts a forward force on a trailer; the trailer tugs...
  39. R

    Valid Units of Measure for Trig Argument

    Quick question. If i pass into a trig function something like cos(3pi*15 seconds), do I drop the seconds from the resultant answer since it's not a valid unit of measure for theta?
  40. T

    What Direction Will a Motorcycle Travel When Exiting a Van Moving at 100mph?

    Settle an argument please ! Look at the picture. The van is traveling forwards at 100mph. A motorcycle is ridden forwards out the van, off a ramp at 20mph. 1) what direction will the bike front wheel be traveling as it leaves the ramp. 2) What direction will the whole bike be traveling...
  41. S

    Argument From Analogy in Science

    Do you guys think that argument of analogy belong in sciences like physics, chemistry and biology? I don't, because its doesn't seem to have any logical basis. What are your guys' views on this topic?
  42. S

    Another argument against CAFO's

    Manure pits are dangerous. It is in my newspaper but I could not find it online, even though it is an AP article. http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/93-114.html And polluting. http://www.epa.gov/guide/feedlots/envimpct.pdf
  43. N

    Question about my short circuit argument

    So I had an argument with a friend, more like a discussion where we disagreed. It led to some interesting questions, or at least they are to me. I made a simple electromagnet using a battery, a nail, and an insulated copper wire wrapped around the nail many times with the ends of the...
  44. M

    Cayley-Hamilton Theorem: A Simple, Natural Argument

    If A is an n by n matrix of constants from the commutative ring k, and I is the identity n by n matrix, then Lagrange's expansion formula for determinants implies that adj[XI-A].[XI-A] = f(X).I where f(X) is the characteristic polynomial of A, and adj denotes the classical adjoint whose...
  45. U

    Solving a \lim Problem with an \epsilon-\delta Argument

    Hey, I'm stuck on this problem and just wanted some help if possible. Prove, using an \epsilon - \delta argument, that \lim_{\substack{x\rightarrow -2}} \frac {1 - x - 2x^2} {x + 1} = 5 Ok, so I've answered so far with: \lim_{\substack{x\rightarrow -2}} \frac {1 - x - 2x^2} {x + 1} = 5 if...
  46. H

    The hole argument and diffeomorphism invariance

    The "hole argument" and diffeomorphism invariance First, let me give a summary of my understanding of the "hole argument": Consider a space-time completely filled with matter with exception of a finite space-time volume that contains no matter (a hole). The hole is located between two spatial...
  47. S

    Complex analysis - argument principle

    (changes in arg h (z) as z traverses lambda)/(2pi) = # of zeroes of h inside lambda + # of holes of h inside lambda now the doubt i have is what happens when the change i get in h (z) is say 9 pi/2 ... because then i would have a 2.5 on left side of the eqn ... so do i round it up and...
  48. S

    Evaluating the Merit of "God's Rock Argument"

    I have often seen arguments like these by people who claim that they have disproved the existence of God. Either answer would mean that God is not omnipotent and therefore cannot exist. Now I am an atheist. Is there any merit to the above argument?
  49. B

    How to Refute the Idle Argument?

    How does one refute the Idle Argument? :bugeye:
  50. L

    Check Out This Link - A Puzzling Argument

    Hey all, If you guys have some free time, perhaps you could take a look at this link. http://www.rebelscience.org/Crackpots/notorious.htm I'm pretty sure he's not correct, but I can't place the exact point in his thinking where it goes 'wrong', so to say. It just seems like he's saying...
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