Which of the following may properly serve as parts of an argument?
A proposals
B commands
C questions
D statements
E exclamations
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is D. statements.
In logic and reasoning, an argument consists of a series of statements that aim to support or prove a particular conclusion. A statement is a declarative sentence that can be judged as either true or false. Statements are the building blocks of arguments because they convey information that can be evaluated.
Here’s why the other options are not suitable parts of an argument:
- A. Proposals: A proposal suggests a course of action or recommendation. While it can be part of a discussion, it doesn’t necessarily assert something true or false, which is essential in an argument.
- B. Commands: A command is an imperative sentence that directs someone to do something. Commands do not carry truth values, as they are not meant to be true or false statements but rather instructions.
- C. Questions: A question is designed to seek information, not to make an assertion that can be evaluated as true or false. It cannot serve as part of an argument because it does not provide a claim or evidence to support a conclusion.
- E. Exclamations: Exclamations express strong emotions or reactions, but they do not make a claim that can be argued for or against. They are subjective and do not contribute to logical reasoning.
For an argument to function properly, the statements it includes must be able to provide support for the conclusion. These statements need to be clear, coherent, and able to be evaluated as true or false. The premises (or statements) provide evidence or reasons for the conclusion, which is why they are essential to constructing a valid argument.