key term - Conclusion

Definition

A conclusion is the final part of an argument or piece of writing that summarizes the key points and draws a final judgment or decision based on the evidence presented. It serves to solidify the main ideas and leave a lasting impression on the reader or audience.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. A well-constructed conclusion should synthesize the key points made throughout the argument and provide a clear, logical resolution or judgment.
2. The conclusion is the final opportunity to persuade the reader or audience and leave a lasting impression, so it should be compelling and impactful.
3. A strong conclusion often reiterates the thesis or main claim, highlights the significance of the argument, and may suggest future implications or applications.
4. Conclusions in informal fallacies are typically unsupported or invalid due to flaws in the reasoning or evidence presented earlier in the argument.
5. The strength and validity of a conclusion is directly dependent on the strength and validity of the premises or inferences that lead to it.

Review Questions

• Explain the role of a conclusion in the context of an argument.
  • In the context of an argument, the conclusion is the final part that summarizes the key points and draws a final judgment or decision based on the evidence presented. The conclusion serves to solidify the main ideas, persuade the audience, and leave a lasting impression. It is the culmination of the reasoning and inferences made throughout the argument, and its strength and validity are directly dependent on the strength and validity of the premises or inferences that lead to it.
• Describe how the conclusion of an argument is connected to the types of inferences made.
  • The conclusion of an argument is closely tied to the types of inferences made throughout the reasoning process. Strong, valid inferences based on sound premises will lead to a well-supported, compelling conclusion. Conversely, flawed inferences or logical fallacies in the argument will result in an unsupported or invalid conclusion. The strength of the conclusion reflects the quality of the inferences made, as the conclusion is the final judgment or decision reached based on the available evidence and logical reasoning.
• Analyze how the presence of informal fallacies in an argument can impact the conclusion.
  • Informal fallacies, or flaws in reasoning, can significantly undermine the validity and soundness of a conclusion. When an argument contains logical fallacies, the evidence and inferences leading to the conclusion are compromised, resulting in a conclusion that is unsupported or invalid. The presence of informal fallacies, such as ad hominem attacks, hasty generalizations, or appeals to emotion, can distort the reasoning process and lead to a conclusion that is not justified by the premises. Identifying and addressing these fallacies is crucial for ensuring the strength and credibility of the overall argument and its concluding statement.

Related terms

Premise:

A premise is a statement or assumption that forms the basis of an argument, providing the reasons or evidence to support the conclusion.

Inference:

An inference is a conclusion or decision reached based on the available evidence or information, often involving logical reasoning.

Fallacy:

A fallacy is a flaw or mistake in reasoning that undermines the validity or soundness of an argument, leading to an invalid or unsupported conclusion.