Differences between Statements and Arguments

It is necessary to properly understand the difference between them to solve questions based on statements and arguments. It will help us understand the problem better and solve it faster.

Let us begin by understanding each of them one at a time using examples of Statements and Arguments. 

A statement is a sentence which can be either true or false. For example, the dog is in the kennel. On the other hand, an argument is a group of statements which includes either one or more than one premise but one and only one conclusion. 

Let us understand the difference between a statement and an argument in more detail through our article. 

What is a Statement? 

Statements are sentences that can only be true or untrue. Peter Strawson, a philosopher of language, pushed for using the word “statement” in meaning rather than a proposition. 

Strawson developed the term “Statement” to demonstrate how two declarative statements might constitute the same statement if they express the same thing differently. Thus, Strawson’s use, “All men are mortal,” and “All men are mortal,” are two different phrases that express the same assertion. 

The term “statement” differentiates a phrase from its factual content in specific treatments. 

A statement is considered the information content of a sentence that contains information. As a result, a phrase has ties to the assertion it conveys in the same way that a numeric relates to the number it refers to. 

Statements are logical, abstract things, while sentences are grammatical entities.

What is an Argument?

In logic, an argument is a set of reasons that support a conclusion, sometimes written so that we can derive the conclusion from the premises. 

An argument is a statement or combination of claims, known as premises, that assess the degree of truth or acceptability of another statement, known as the conclusion. 

We may analyse arguments from three perspectives: logical, dialectical, and rhetorical.

We often present an argument in logic in a formal symbolic language rather than plain language. We can describe it as any combination of propositions. One of them claims to originate from the others by deductively valid deductions that maintain truth from the premises to the conclusion. 

This logical approach to argument is applicable in scientific subjects such as math and computer science. The study of the forms of reasoning in arguments and the establishment of rules and criteria for evaluating arguments is called logic. 

Deductive arguments can be valid and sound. In a valid argument, the premises need the conclusion, even if one or more premises is false and the conclusion is wrong. In a sound argument, truthful premises require a proper conclusion. 

One the other hand, inductive arguments can vary in logical strength. The stronger or more convincing the argument, the greater the chance that the conclusion is correct. Similarly, the weaker the argument, the lower the probability.

Difference Between Statements and Arguments

Before we get into the examples, there are a few things you should keep in mind and remember while you solve and practise these problems.

• It is preferable to be able to distinguish between ‘strong’ and ‘weak’ arguments in relation to the main questions while making a choice.

• The crucial thing to remember about ‘weak’ arguments is that they may or may not be directly linked to the subject and may be of minimal relevance.

• They could also be related to a minor aspect of the question. Two statements, I and II, will follow this topic’s questions.

• You must assess which argument is strong or weak based on the question.

Select the option you feel is right based on the below sentences.

1. If only argument I is strong

2. If only argument II is strong

3. If neither I nor II is strong

4. If both I and II are strong

Statement: 

Should primary and secondary education in India be made free?

Arguments:

I: Yes, this is the only way we can raise literacy levels.

II: No, this would add to India’s already burdened economy.

To make the argument weak or strong in this question, seek little clues and ideas. For example, in assertion I, the term ‘only’ is not strong enough, making the argument weak. As you can see, it is not the only fundamental and practical approach for increasing reading levels.

Meanwhile, argument II is sufficiently strong since it illustrates the practical difficulty that may arise due to the choice to make education free. As a result, argument II is the strongest. As a result, B is the correct response.

You must utilise logic in your claims and arguments. Instead, solely use the information included in the statement. Don’t attempt to take a realistic approach.

Statement:

Should crackers be entirely prohibited in India?

Arguments:

I: Yes, the manufacture of firecrackers often uses child labour.

II: No, it will jeopardise the jobs of thousands of people.

There is no ethically acceptable or improper approach to this subject. Both phrases refer to the practical effects of the action made in response to the assertion in the question. 

As a result, both reasons presented in the question are correct. As a result, D is the right answer.

Conclusion 

The most specific aspects of all competitive tests are questions based on assertions and arguments. Typically, in these questions, a statement is followed by two arguments. Individuals must be able to distinguish between strong and weak arguments. 

This section has a wide range of question kinds. It will have perplexing questions. The arguments presented will often be opposed to one another. They will relate to the actions’ good and bad outcomes as stated in the sentences. 

So, as per the above information provided in the article, we hope you will be able to identify the difference between a statement and an argument. It will help you solve problems regarding the same.