Building a logical argument
The main statement or position that an argument is trying to prove.
What is claim
Which is stronger support for an argument:
one person’s opinion or data collected from thousands of people?
What is data collected from thousands of people
If an add for a restaurant comes up and reads "Come down to Lake View Restaurant, 96% of our guests state they are happier after stopping by." What part of this makes it Logos?
What is the percentage.
Facts, statistics, examples, or research used to support a claim.
What is evidence.
An argument that uses reliable research and multiple sources is considered this.
What is strong evidence.
“Eating Chocolate X improves memory. 80% of people who tried it said they felt sharper.”
Identify the logos element and explain the logical weakness.
Logos: “80% of people who tried it said they felt sharper” (statistical evidence)
Weakness: Self-reported data cannot prove causation
The explanation that shows how or why the evidence supports the claim.
Evidence from a scientific study conducted by experts is generally considered this type of evidence.
What is reliable (or credible) evidence.
City parks increase happiness: people who visit parks exercise more, socialize more, and report less stress.”
Construct the claim, evidence, and reasoning that makes this logos.
Claim: Visiting city parks increases happiness
Evidence: Parks → more exercise, socializing, less stress
Reasoning: Each factor logically improves well-being, supporting the claim