Argument vs. Proposition: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
An argument is a series of statements with a conclusion, while a proposition is a suggested plan or idea.
Key Differences
An argument in rhetoric and logic is a sequence of statements or premises made to lead to a logical conclusion. It's a process of reasoning where one or more statements are offered as support for some other statement. A proposition, on the other hand, is a statement or assertion that expresses a judgment or opinion. It's a premise to be proven within an argument, often presented as a sentence that is either true or false.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 30, 2023
Arguments are used in discussions and debates to convince an audience of a particular point of view, through evidence and reasoning. They consist of a chain of propositions, which are used as premises, but the argument itself is the entire process leading to the conclusion. Propositions are the content of the argument, the declarative sentences that are being asserted and can stand alone as independent statements, without needing to be part of an argument.
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Nov 30, 2023
In constructing an argument, one creates a structure that includes a series of propositions meant to validate an ultimate point. The difference here is structural: the argument is the edifice, while the propositions are the building blocks. Arguments can be complex and contain multiple propositions, but each proposition is a singular idea that can be true or false.
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Nov 30, 2023
Arguments can be evaluated based on their validity and soundness, which depend on the structure and the truth of the propositions within them. Propositions do not possess these qualities on their own; they are simply declarations that need to be analyzed within the context of the argument to determine their role in supporting the conclusion.
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Nov 30, 2023
In logic, an argument is effective if it can persuade based on the truth and logical connection of its propositions. A proposition is effective if it clearly communicates a concept or claim, regardless of its truth value. Each plays a distinct role in discourse, with arguments aiming to prove or demonstrate, and propositions aiming to present or suggest.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
A set of reasons given to support a conclusion
A statement that can be true or false
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Role in Discourse
Used in debate and reasoning
Used to present an idea or hypothesis
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Argument and Proposition Definitions
Argument
A discussion where differing views are expressed.
Their argument over dinner was loud and heated.
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Nov 08, 2023
Proposition
A statement or assertion that expresses a judgment or opinion.
The proposition that the earth orbits the sun is widely accepted.
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Nov 08, 2023
Argument
A summary of the subject matter of a book or article.
The preface provided a brief argument of the study's findings.
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Nov 08, 2023
Proposition
In logic, a statement in which its truth or falsity is considered.
The proposition “all humans are mortal” is true.
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Nov 08, 2023
Argument
A discussion in which the parties involved express disagreement with one another; a debate
Philosophical arguments over the nature of existence.
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Oct 19, 2023
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Argument
An angry discussion involving disagreement among the participants; a quarrel
The roommates had an argument about whose turn it was to wash the dishes.
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Oct 19, 2023
Proposition
A matter to be dealt with; a task
Finding affordable housing can be a difficult proposition.
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Oct 19, 2023
Argument
(Archaic) A reason or matter for dispute or contention
"sheath'd their swords for lack of argument" (Shakespeare).
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Oct 19, 2023
Proposition
An offer of a private bargain, especially a request for sexual relations.
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Oct 19, 2023
Argument
A course of reasoning aimed at demonstrating truth or falsehood
Presented a strong argument for the arts in education.
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Oct 19, 2023
Argument
A fact or statement put forth as proof or evidence; a reason
The current low mortgage rates are an argument for buying a house now.
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Oct 19, 2023
Argument
A set of statements in which one follows logically as a conclusion from the others.
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Oct 19, 2023
Proposition
The meaning expressed in such a statement, as opposed to the way it is expressed.
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Oct 19, 2023
Argument
A summary or short statement of the plot or subject of a literary work.
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Argument
A topic; a subject
"You and love are still my argument" (Shakespeare).
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Proposition
To propose a private bargain to, especially to propose sexual relations with.
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Argument
The angle of a complex number measured from the positive horizontal axis.
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Proposition
In some states, a proposed statute or constitutional amendment to be voted on by the electorate.
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Oct 19, 2023
Argument
(Linguistics) A word, phrase, or clause in a semantic relation with a word or phrase and that helps complete the meaning of that word or phrase, such as a noun phrase that is the object of a verb. The clause that we go is an argument of the verb suggest in the sentence I suggest that we go.
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Proposition
The content of an assertion that may be taken as being true or false and is considered abstractly without reference to the linguistic sentence that constitutes the assertion; (Aristotelian logic) a predicate of a subject that is denied or affirmed and connected by a copula.
“‘Wiktionary is a good dictionary’ is a proposition” is a proposition.
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Argument
A series of propositions organized so that the final proposition is a conclusion which is intended to follow logically from the preceding propositions, which function as premises.
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Oct 19, 2023
Proposition
An assertion so formulated that it can be considered true or false.
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Proposition
An assertion which is provably true, but not important enough to be called a theorem.
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Oct 19, 2023
Argument
(countable) An abstract or summary of the content of a literary work such as a book, a poem or a major section such as a chapter, included in the work before the content itself; (figuratively) the contents themselves.
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Proposition
A statement of religious doctrine; an article of faith; creed.
The propositions of Wyclif and Huss
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Argument
(countable) A verbal dispute; a quarrel.
The neighbours got into an argument about the branches of the trees that extended over the fence.
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Proposition
(poetic) The part of a poem in which the author states the subject or matter of it.
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Argument
Any dispute, altercation, or collision.
Steve got in a physical argument with his neighbor and came away with a black eye.
While biking home, he got in an argument with the pavement.
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Argument
Any of the phrases that bears a syntactic connection to the verb of a clause.
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Proposition
To make a suggestion of sexual intercourse to (someone with whom one is not sexually involved).
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Argument
A quantity on which the calculation of another quantity depends.
The altitude is the argument of the refraction.
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Oct 19, 2023
Proposition
That which is proposed; that which is offered, as for consideration, acceptance, or adoption; a proposal; as, the enemy made propositions of peace; his proposition was not accepted.
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Argument
A value, or a reference to a value, passed to a function.
Parameters are like labelled fillable blanks used to define a function whereas arguments are passed to a function when calling it, filling in those blanks.
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Oct 19, 2023
Proposition
A statement of religious doctrine; an article of faith; creed; as, the propositions of Wyclif and Huss.
Some persons . . . change their propositions according as their temporal necessities or advantages do turn.
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Oct 19, 2023
Argument
A parameter at a function call; an actual parameter, as opposed to a formal parameter.
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Proposition
A complete sentence, or part of a sentence consisting of a subject and predicate united by a copula; a thought expressed or propounded in language; a from of speech in which a predicate is affirmed or denied of a subject; as, snow is white.
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Oct 19, 2023
Proposition
A statement in terms of a truth to be demonstrated, or of an operation to be performed.
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Oct 19, 2023
Argument
The subject matter of an artistic representation, discourse, or writing; a theme or topic.
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Oct 19, 2023
Proposition
That which is offered or affirmed as the subject of the discourse; anything stated or affirmed for discussion or illustration.
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Oct 19, 2023
Proposition
The part of a poem in which the author states the subject or matter of it.
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Oct 19, 2023
Proposition
(logic) a statement that affirms or denies something and is either true or false
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Proposition
A proposal offered for acceptance or rejection;
It was a suggestion we couldn't refuse
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Argument
Proof; evidence.
There is.. no more palpable and convincing argument of the existence of a Deity.
Why, then, is it made a badge of wit and an argument of parts for a man to commence atheist, and to cast off all belief of providence, all awe and reverence for religion?
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Oct 19, 2023
Proposition
An offer for a private bargain (especially a request for sexual favors)
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Argument
A reason or reasons offered in proof, to induce belief, or convince the mind; reasoning expressed in words; as, an argument about, concerning, or regarding a proposition, for or in favor of it, or against it.
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Oct 19, 2023
Argument
A process of reasoning, or a controversy made up of rational proofs; argumentation; discussion; disputation.
The argument is about things, but names.
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Proposition
A task to be dealt with;
Securing adequate funding is a time-consuming proposition
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Argument
The subject matter of a discourse, writing, or artistic representation; theme or topic; also, an abstract or summary, as of the contents of a book, chapter, poem.
You and love are still my argument.
The abstract or argument of the piece.
[Shields] with boastful argument portrayed.
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Oct 19, 2023
Proposition
Suggest sex to;
She was propositioned by a stranger at the party
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Argument
Matter for question; business in hand.
Sheathed their swords for lack of argument.
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Proposition
A scheme or plan of action, especially in a business context.
Their business proposition was innovative and promising.
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Nov 08, 2023
Argument
The quantity on which another quantity in a table depends; as, the altitude is the argument of the refraction.
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Oct 19, 2023
Proposition
An offer of terms for a transaction, such as a bet.
He made a proposition to double the investment in a year.
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Nov 08, 2023
Argument
The independent variable upon whose value that of a function depends.
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Oct 19, 2023
Argument
A fact or assertion offered as evidence that something is true;
It was a strong argument that his hypothesis was true
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Argument
A contentious speech act; a dispute where there is strong disagreement;
They were involved in a violent argument
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Argument
A discussion in which reasons are advanced for and against some proposition or proposal;
The argument over foreign aid goes on and on
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Argument
A summary of the subject or plot of a literary work or play or movie;
The editor added the argument to the poem
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Argument
A variable in a logical or mathematical expression whose value determines the dependent variable; if f(x)=y, x is the independent variable
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Oct 19, 2023
Argument
A reason or set of reasons given to persuade others that an action or idea is right or wrong.
Her argument for increased cybersecurity was compelling.
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Nov 08, 2023
Argument
A process of reasoning aimed at demonstrating truth or falsehood.
He presented a well-structured argument to the jury.
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Argument
In mathematics, a quantity that determines the output of a function.
The complex argument is essential in calculus.
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Repeatedly Asked Queries
Are all debates arguments?
Yes, debates consist of arguments from opposing sides.
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Nov 30, 2023
What is an argument?
An argument is a series of propositions aimed at establishing a specific conclusion.
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Nov 30, 2023
Can propositions exist without arguments?
Yes, propositions can stand alone as statements independent of arguments.
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Nov 30, 2023
Are all arguments valid?
No, arguments are only valid if the conclusion logically follows from the premises.
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Nov 30, 2023
Do arguments always resolve conflicts?
Not always; arguments can provide clarity but may not always resolve disagreements.
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Nov 30, 2023
Can a valid argument have false propositions?
Yes, validity concerns the form of the argument, not the truth of its propositions.
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Nov 30, 2023
What makes a proposition persuasive?
Clarity, relevance, and the truth can make a proposition persuasive.
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Nov 30, 2023
Is every statement an argument?
No, not all statements are arguments; some are simply propositions.
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Nov 30, 2023
Can a single argument have multiple conclusions?
Typically, an argument aims at one main conclusion, but may have sub-conclusions.
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Nov 30, 2023
Can one argument refute another?
Yes, one argument can refute another if it provides evidence that undermines the opposing argument's premises or conclusion.
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Nov 30, 2023
Is a hypothesis a proposition?
Yes, a hypothesis is a type of proposition that is testable.
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Are arguments important in science?
Yes, arguments are crucial for establishing scientific theories.
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Are all propositions debatable?
Not all propositions are debatable; some are axiomatic truths.
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Do all propositions need evidence?
Empirical propositions require evidence, while some logical propositions do not.
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Is every question a proposition?
No, questions are not propositions because they do not declare anything.
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Are mathematical proofs arguments?
Yes, mathematical proofs are arguments that demonstrate the truth of propositions.
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Can arguments be based on false premises?
Yes, but such arguments, while they may be valid, are not sound.
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How do arguments relate to critical thinking?
Arguments are central to critical thinking as they require analysis and evaluation.
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Nov 30, 2023
Can a proposition change over time?
The truth value of a proposition may change with new evidence.
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Nov 30, 2023
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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