Final answer:
A logical argument consists of reasons, evidence, and conclusions, where reasons justify why the audience should adopt a viewpoint, evidence substantiates the reasons, and the conclusion specifies the intended belief or action. Logical and empirical assessments determine the argument's strength. Formal logic assesses the validity of the reasoning from premises to conclusion.
Step-by-step explanation:
In constructing a logical argument, there are three principal components to consider: the reasons, evidence, and conclusions. The reasons in an argument answer the question 'Why?' They provide the rationale behind why the audience should consider a particular viewpoint or action. Specifically, reasons address why the audience should think or do something in response to the argument presented. Evidence, on the other hand, answers the question, 'How do you know?' It includes the support for the reasons given, such as facts, data, and anecdotes, that bolster the credibility of the assertion. Lastly, the conclusion addresses the question, 'What?' and determines what the persuader wants the audience to think or do as a result of the argument.
It's important to distinguish between logic and truth in an argument; they are separate features. Logical assessment is about whether the reasons given as premises logically justify the conclusion. Even if the premises are true, they must be relevant and sufficiently support the conclusion to be considered a robust argument. In simpler terms, premises are statements that lead to a specific end point, the conclusion, through a process of inference or reasoning. An argument stands strong when it has a coherent chain of reasoning leading from premises to conclusions, and every claim made within it is supported by logical reasoning and substantial evidence.
When evaluating an argument, one must also consider the truth of the premises. If they're based on empirical evidence, check the facts; if they're based on a principle, consider possible exceptions. In case of conceptual claims, one needs to assess critically their viability, which may involve thinking about potential counterexamples. Furthermore, the organization of premises and conclusion in a logical structure allows for formal assessment of the argument's validity using the tools of logic, ultimately determining the soundness of the claims presented.