RETURN
edited 4/2/12

For each of the examples below representing a truncated argument (enthymeme) construct an additional sentence (or two) which could serve as a premise(s) that renders a valid (not necessarily sound) argument.

• Example A: Because Sam is paraplegic, he won’t make a good lawyer.

A needed assumption could be: Paraplegics cannot be not good lawyers.

(This in turn could be questioned to discover the assumptions underlying it.)

• Example B: Skiing is dangerous. John got hurt skiing last year.

This requires more in the way of assumptions to render a valid argument.

Some might be:

1. One person’s getting hurt at an activity is sufficient evidence to judge that activity dangerous.
2. John is a person and skiing is an activity.

These are sufficient to yield example B.

Remember: a valid argument is not necessarily a sound (or wise) one!

1. You can’t trust Dan. He hasn’t paid me the money he owes me.

2. Sam’s nervousness shows he’s a coward.

3. Apples are inedible. They’re made of granite.

4. John is an environmentalist, so he will vote against building the dam.

5. Olivia is a baker, so she can’t dance.

6. Anne must be insane. She hums constantly.

7. Mary doesn’t speak French. She must not be well-educated.

8. Phil is an epileptic. That’s why he failed.

9. John’s failure indicates his lack of dedication.

10. John must be a good teacher; he’s such a caring person.