Simple non-inferential passage explained

A simple non-inferential passage is a type of nonargument characterized by the lack of a claim that anything is being proved. Simple non-inferential passages include warnings, pieces of advice, statements of belief or opinion, loosely associated statements, and reports. Simple non-inferential passages are nonarguments because while the statements involved may be premises, conclusions or both, the statements do not serve to infer a conclusion or support one another. This is distinct from a logical fallacy, which indicates an error in reasoning.

Types

Warnings

A warning is a type of simple non-inferential passage that serves to alert a person to any sort of potential danger. This can be as simple as a road sign indicating falling rock or a janitorial sign indicating a wet, slippery floor.

Piece of advice

A piece of advice is a type of simple non-inferential passage that recommends some future action or course of conduct. A mechanic recommending regular oil changes or a doctor recommending that a patient refrain from smoking are examples of pieces of advice.

Statements of belief or opinion

See main article: Opinion and belief.

A statement of belief or opinion is a type of simple non-inferential passage containing an expression of belief or opinion lacking an inferential claim. In A concise introduction to logic, Hurley uses the following example to illustrate:

Loosely associated statements

See main article: Loosely associated statements.

A loosely associated statement is a type of simple non-inferential passage wherein statements about a general subject are juxtaposed but make no inferential claim. As a rhetorical device, loosely associated statements may be intended by the speaker to infer a claim or conclusion, but because they lack a coherent logical structure any such interpretation is subjective as loosely associated statements prove nothing and attempt no obvious conclusion.[1] Loosely associated statements can be said to serve no obvious purpose, such as illustration or explanation.[2]

Reports

A report is a type of simple non-inferential passage wherein the statements serve to convey knowledge. The above is considered a report because it informs the reader without making any sort of claim, ethical or otherwise. However, the statements being made could be seen as a set of premises, and with the addition of a conclusion it would be considered an argument.

References

Notes and References

  1. Web site: The logic of arguments . April 28, 2012 . April 26, 2012 . https://web.archive.org/web/20120426031237/http://www.julianhermida.com/algoma/law1studyarguments.htm . dead .
  2. Web site: NONargument - Loosely associated statements . April 28, 2012 . June 5, 2013 . https://web.archive.org/web/20130605172354/http://academic.csuohio.edu/polen/LC9_Help/1/12loosely.htm . dead .