When reflecting on the main distinction between arguments and explanations, one cannot but notice the thin line that occasionally stands between them. In the majority of cases, it is easy to differentiate explanation from argument, but in some other cases a person may be lead into false identification. This is why it is important for the process of critical thinking to establish the difference between argument and explanation. Even thought there are more than one types of explanations, they all refer to the understanding of the world that surrounds us and some things that are the same for anyone. On the other hand, arguments are claims that need further elaboration by providing the valid reasons in order for others to believe in a certain argument.
Explanation is a statement that is taken for granted because it is the same for everyone (for example when we say that sky is blue). On the other hand, argument is a statement that is used for agreeing or disagreeing of a claim. In the case of an argument, we need a logical structure and good reasons to prove the argument. In order to prove an argument we need premises and a conclusion based on the premises. A premise is a precondition for setting a good and valid argument. However, it is important to state that not every sentence is an argument or an explanation. There are many linguistic contexts that can also be personal informative sentences or something else. Therefore, when searching for an argument it does not necessarily mean that every conditional sentence contains an argument.
In order to sum up, a good argument provides a good rationale for a statement or a claim. Explanation is something that is accepted as an universal truth and in it has an answer on the question Why (Why is the sky blue?, Why does the Earth revolves around the Sun?).
Example Of Critical Thinking On What Is The Distinction Between Arguments And Explanations?
Type of paper: Critical Thinking
Topic: Explanation, Claim, Sentence
Pages: 1
Words: 300
Published: 11/10/2020
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