RETURN
edited 11/20/16

For each of the examples below representing a truncated argument (enthymeme) construct an additional sentence (or two) which could serve as a premise(s) that renders a valid (not necessarily sound) argument.

• Example A: Because Sam is paraplegic, he won’t make a good lawyer.

A needed assumption could be: Paraplegics cannot be not good lawyers.

(This in turn could be questioned to discover the assumptions underlying it.)

• Example B: Skiing is dangerous. John got hurt skiing last year.

This requires more in the way of assumptions to render a valid argument.

Some might be:

1. One person’s getting hurt at an activity is sufficient evidence to judge that activity dangerous.
2. John is a person and skiing is an activity.

These are sufficient to yield example B.

Remember: a valid argument is not necessarily a sound (or wise) one! (See An Introduction to Models of Reasoning)

(See also, What's the Connection?)

1. You can’t trust Dan. He hasn’t paid me the money he owes me.

2. Sam’s nervousness shows he’s a coward.

3. Apples are inedible. They’re made of granite.

4. John is an environmentalist, so he will vote against building the dam.

5. Olivia is a baker, so she can’t dance.

6. Anne must be insane. She hums constantly.

7. Mary doesn’t speak French. She must not be well-educated.

8. Phil is an epileptic. That’s why he failed.

9. John’s failure indicates his lack of dedication.

10. John must be a good teacher; he’s such a caring person.