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| 2.4 Golden Rule | |
We now come to one of the most fundamental principles of reasoning and argument mapping: Every simple argument has at least two co-premises. This is the Golden Rule.
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The Lunar Roving Vehicle was 3.1 metres long by 2.3 metres wide, and 1.14 metres high. As the Lunar Module's descent stage was only 4.3 metres in diameter by 3.2 metres high, one might think this would not have left much room for the remaining equipment. [8.4] An example of an argument with two premises. Notice how the premises "work together" as part of one reason for the contention. |
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| Discussion |
Notice the "at least two" in the Golden Rule. Simple arguments can have more than two premises; we will see examples later. However two premises is the simplest and most common case.
Now you can see the point of the technical definition of a reason mentioned in Tutorial 1. Every reason is a set of claims (premises) working together to provide evidence for another claim (the contention). That set always has at least two members.
| New Concepts |
The Golden Rule: Every simple argument has at least two co-premises.
| Glossary | Contents | |
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