Philosophers use the general term "argument" to mean (Points
http://www.answers.com/topic/argument
Read especially the second set of definitions here.
In philosophy, the term "argument" refers to a specific type of reasoning that philosophers employ to support or justify a particular claim or position. Unlike the common understanding of an argument as a verbal dispute, in philosophy, an argument is a logical structure composed of statements or propositions, where one or more statements are offered as evidence or reasons to support another statement, called the conclusion.
To identify an argument, you should look for the following components:
1. Premises: These are the statements offered as reasons or evidence. They are intended to provide justification for the conclusion. Premises can be factual claims, general principles, or assumptions.
2. Conclusion: This is the statement that the argument is attempting to establish or prove. It is the claim that the premises aim to support.
3. Logical Relationship: There should be a logical connection between the premises and the conclusion. The premises should be relevant and provide good reasons to believe the conclusion. The conclusion should follow logically from the premises.
To determine if a passage or a statement is an argument, you can apply two tests:
1. The Indicator Words Test: Look for words or phrases that signal the presence of an argument, such as "since," "because," "thus," "therefore," "for," "as a result," etc. These words often indicate that one or more premises is being offered to support a conclusion.
2. The Support for the Conclusion Test: Check if the statement provides reasons or evidence for accepting the conclusion. Ask yourself if there are premises presented that, if true, would justify accepting the conclusion.
By identifying the premises, conclusion, and logical relationship between them, you can understand the structure and content of the argument and evaluate its validity and soundness. Philosophy often involves analyzing and critiquing arguments to assess their strength and validity, aiding in the development and refinement of philosophical ideas and theories.