Question

There is a sentence that is missing in the paragraph below. Look at the paragraph and decide where (option 1, 2, 3 or 4) the following sentence would best fit. 
Sentence: For theoretical purposes, arguments may be considered as freestanding entities, abstracted from their contexts of use in actual human activities. 
Paragraph : (1). An argument can be defined as a complex symbolic structure where some parts, known as the premises, offer support to another part, the conclusion. Alternatively, an argument can be viewed as a complex speech act consisting of one or more acts of premising (which assert propositions in favor of the conclusion), an act of concluding, and a stated or implicit marker ("hence", "therefore") that indicates that the conclusion follows from the premises.. (2)_. The relation of support between premises and conclusion can be cashed out in different ways: the premises may guarantee the truth of the conclusion, or make its truth more probable; the premises may imply the conclusion; the premises may make the conclusion more acceptable (or assertible).(3)__. But depending on one's explanatory goals, there is also much to be gained from considering arguments as they in fact occur in human communicative practices.

• A. Option 2
• B. Option 1
• C. Option 1
• D. Option 3

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Summary and Analysis of Paragraph:

This paragraph conceptually explains what an argument is in logic and philosophy, defining it structurally and as a communicative act, and describing its function in theoretical and practical contexts.

1. Sentence (1): “An argument can be defined as a complex symbolic structure…”
   This sentence establishes the primary definition of an argument as a symbolic structure where premises support a conclusion. It also offers an alternative speech-act perspective, viewing arguing as performing acts like premising and concluding, often indicated by linguistic cues (e.g., "therefore," "hence").
2. Sentence (2): “The relation of support between premises and conclusion can be cashed out in different ways…”
   This sentence details the various logical relationships between premises and conclusions. It highlights that arguments vary in strength and type, ranging from deductive (ensuring truth) to inductive (increasing probability) to pragmatic (assertibility or acceptability).
3. Sentence (3): “For theoretical purposes, arguments may be considered as freestanding entities…”
   This sentence transitions from abstract analysis to context. It notes that while arguments can be studied in isolation, significant understanding is achieved by placing them within actual human communication. This links formal logic to practical discourse.

Purpose and Coherence: The paragraph flows logically:

• It begins by defining the concept of an argument from structural and communicative viewpoints.
• It then examines the logical relationships between premises and conclusions.
• Finally, it contrasts the theoretical and practical treatment of arguments.

This coherent structure provides a nuanced understanding appropriate for philosophical or analytical discussions on argumentation.