Evaluating arguments and making decisions
Step 1 / 4·Dissecting an argument
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Learning objectives — after this module you will:
- Break an argument into conclusion – reasons – assumptions
- Recognise common logical fallacies
- Apply a verifiable decision-making process
Dissecting an argument
Learn to split an argument into parts you can evaluate.
Every argument has three parts: the CONCLUSION (what they want you to believe), the REASONS + EVIDENCE (the stated basis), and the ASSUMPTIONS (things taken as true but never said). That third part — the hidden assumption — is where most weak arguments collapse.
Example: 'We should drop in-person training and move everything online because online is 40% cheaper.' Conclusion: move everything online. Reason: 40% cheaper. HIDDEN ASSUMPTIONS: that the learning effectiveness of both formats is identical, and that cost is the most important criterion. If those are wrong, the whole argument collapses.
Four questions to examine an argument
- What exactly is the conclusion? (restate it in your own words)
- What evidence is offered — and is that evidence trustworthy?
- What hidden assumptions must be true for this argument to hold?
- Is there another explanation for the same data?
Key takeaway: Every argument = conclusion + reasons + hidden assumptions; the assumptions deserve the closest look.