VII) Conclusion – Slide 1
Dr. Dona Warren, Department of Philosophy
The University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point
Argument
Ultimate Conclusion
This is a confusing mess.
The argument is difficult to understand.
VII) Conclusion – Slide 2
8/20/2010
1

Inferences
Dependent
Reasons
Independent
Reasons
A
X
Y
Z
P
R
+
“X therefore Y” - “thus” “consequently” “hence” “so” “this goes to show that” “it follows that” “as a result” “that’s why”
“which implies that” “which means that”
“Y because X” - “since” “given that” “assuming that”
“inasmuch as” “in view of the fact that” “the reason is that”
“after all”
“Y because X. It follows that Z.” “Z. After all X so Y.”
Q
“P and Q” - “moreover,” “furthermore,”
“in addition”
“P but Q” - “yet,” “however,” “although,”
“even though,” “nevertheless”
C
B “Besides,” “Furthermore,” “In addition to this,” “As if that weren’t enough,”
“For one thing… For another thing…,”
“First… Second… Third…,” “Finally,”
VII) Conclusion – Slide 3
8/20/2010
Argument
Ultimate Conclusion
This is a confusing mess.
The argument is difficult to understand.
VII) Conclusion – Slide 4
2

Argument
Idea +
Idea
Idea
Idea
Idea +
Idea
Idea
Ultimate Conclusion
Idea
Idea Idea
This displays the structure of the argument.
The argument is much easier understand.
VII) Conclusion – Slide 5
Argument
Some ideas in the passage might not be part of the argument.
Some dependent reasons might not be signaled by inference eraser expressions.
Idea + Idea
Idea
Idea Idea
Some ideas in the argument might be unstated in the passage.
Idea
Idea
Idea +
Idea
Idea
Ultimate Conclusion
Some independent reasons might not be signaled by theme changer expressions.
Some inferences might not be signaled by inference indicator expressions.
Practice makes perfect.
VII) Conclusion – Slide 6
8/20/2010
3