TRAIN:

Risk or
Opportunity?

An example of Informal
Argument
What is Formal Argument?
Deductive in nature
presents a well-developed chain of evidence
The conclusion follows necessarily from the
premises
Contains no information that is not already
present in the premises
Syllogism

Basic unit of reasoning in formal

argument
Structure consisting of two premises
and a conclusion
Burden of Proof
What level of proof is sought?

Absolute certainty
Beyond reasonable doubt
Clear and convincing
Compelling
What is Informal Argument?

Contains little or no supportive evidence

Conclusion contains new information not
present in the premises
Merely Relies on some degree of
probability
A column is an example of
Informal Argument

– It merely contains commentaries

– Does not follow with certainty