Smart Thinking: Skills for Critical Understanding and Writing, 2nd Ed

UNDERSTANDING THE LINKS BETWEEN CLAIMS 53

Review

In this chapter we have explored, in considerable depth, how linking between

claims works in practice. Links between premises allow us to express the

complexities that underlie any summary 'reason'. The key property of claims

to be noted here is that a claim contains an internal connection, which then

is used as the basis for a chain of external links. Sometimes, a premise

functions to frame our argument or define some key term. Sometimes we will

encounter a single independent premise, but the connection between this

premise and its conclusion is weakened by the absence of explicit claims,

which are needed to make that connection clear.

The central idea behind developing our use of dependent premise chains

is that, when premises add together [+], they do so in relation to the next

logical link, from premises to conclusion [4]. This arrow is used, in the

analytical structure, to represent a relationship that is not just plucked from

thin air but which exists implicitly in the claims that are the premises. In

making this link, we must be careful that there is a consistency in the scope,

certainty, and value between premises and conclusion.

CONCEPT CHECK

The following terms and concepts are introduced in this chapter. Before checking
in the Glossary, write a short definition of each term:
circular reasoning

defining premise

dependent premise

framing premise

independent premise

reason

sweeping generalisation

Review exercise 4

Answer briefly the following questions, giving, where possible, an example in your

answer that is different from those used in this book:

a. What distinguishes a 'reason' from a premise?

b. What is the difference between a dependent premise and an independent

premise?