Chapter 5

  • Implicit Statements
    1. Statements that are suggested or required by an argument but are not directly stated we will call implicit or implied

      For example:
      • (1) The moon is made of cheese.
      • _____________________________________
      • (2) Therefore, the moon must be green by now.

      • The missing statement might appear as:
      • (A) If something is made of cheese, then it will eventually turn green.

      • Note that the missing statement might also appear as:
      • (A) All things made of cheese will eventually turn green.

    2. Implicit statements may be either premises or conclusions.

      For example:
      • (1) Susan has extensive experience in management.
      • ____________________________
      • (2) Therefore, you should vote for her.

      • The missing statement might appear as:
      • (A) If someone has management experience, then you should vote for him or her.

      • Or as:
      • (A) You should vote for everyone who has extensive experience in management.

      • Or for example:
      • (1) Ibrahim has extensive experience in aircraft maintenance.
      • (2) You should vote for someone with extensive experience in aircraft maintenance.

      • The missing statement might appear as:
      • (A) If someone has experience in aircraft maintenance, then you should vote for him or her.

      • Or as:
      • (A) You should vote for everyone who has extensive experience in aircraft maintenance.



Indicator Words | Diagrams | Logical Strength | Implicit Premises | Question? | Self-test | Logic Page 1