Argument Structure Questions - - Question 3

A university should not be entitled to patent the inventions of its faculty members. Universities, as guarantors of i...

Valentina July 12, 2020

Principle vs Conclusion

What is the difference between a principle a conclusion? I chose B because it is a principle but I'm having trouble understanding why it's still wrong.

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shunhe July 13, 2020

Hi @ValentinaCC,

Thanks for the question! So a principle is some kind of abstract, generalizable rule or concept that can be applied in a bunch of different situations. So for example: when someone attacks you, you can defend yourself. That’s a principle. If Karen punches Bob, if Joe kicks Rob, in all of these different instances, this principle would apply. It’s just kind of a general rule.

A conclusion, on the other hand, doesn’t have to be a principle. A conclusion is just the end of an argument; it’s the statement in a stimulus which is supported by all the premises, but itself does not go on to support any other statements.

Hope this helps! Feel free to ask any other questions that you might have.

Joy_00 November 24, 2020

This was very helpful thank you for the explanation.