What Defines a Convergent Argument?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the definition and characteristics of convergent arguments, particularly in the context of logic and rhetoric. Participants explore how premises in such arguments relate to one another and to the conclusion, questioning the clarity and precision of the term "convergent argument." The conversation touches on theoretical aspects of argument structure and its implications in logical reasoning.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that a convergent argument is defined by independent premises that collectively support a conclusion, questioning how to determine this independence.
  • Another participant expresses uncertainty about the term "convergent argument," noting that it is not precisely defined in mathematical logic and may originate from rhetorical studies.
  • A later reply indicates that the term appears in a logic study resource but is absent from another, suggesting variability in its acceptance or definition.
  • Another participant proposes that "convergent logic" refers to independent statements combined with "and," leading to a conclusion, but admits a lack of formal terminology knowledge.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the definition of convergent arguments, with multiple competing views and uncertainties expressed regarding its application and clarity in both logic and rhetoric.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the ambiguity of the term "convergent argument" and its varying definitions across different logic resources, as well as the potential influence of rhetorical terminology on its understanding.

Logical Dog
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Is it any argument structure not classified as a syllogism? where premises lead to conclusions which is another premise.

It seems that the definition is that in a convergent argument all the premises are independent of each other and support the conclusion only. But how does one know?

"I think I should buy this used Toyota Corolla. It is in good shape, it gets good mileage, and besides, it is within my budget." the website here: https://pegasus.cc.ucf.edu/~janzb/courses/hum2020/argumentstructures1.htm says that the above statement is convergent.

How can it be modified to become non convergent?
 
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Bipolar Demon said:
It seems that the definition is that in a convergent argument all the premises are independent of each other and support the conclusion only. But how does one know?

As far as I know, "convergent argument" is not a term that is precisely defined in mathematical logic. It sounds like terminology from the old-fashioned field of "Rhetoric".
 
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Stephen Tashi said:
As far as I know, "convergent argument" is not a term that is precisely defined in mathematical logic. It sounds like terminology from the old-fashioned field of "Rhetoric".

ah ok...I would like to clarify that I am studying schaums outlines of Logic (logic in general) and it shows up in the first chapter. But not in the book Logic for dummies..so you may be right!
 
It looks like the term "convergent logic" simply refers to a combination of basic independent statements joined by "and". So it is a simple narrowing down of the options to the final conclusion. I am not familiar enough with the terminology of logic to state it more formally, but I'm sure that it can be done.
 
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