Conclusion vs Argument

[ameliashaffer]

Hi,

I am wondering if "conclusion" and "argument" are interchangeable for the LSAT. I have in my notes from my PowerScore course that the two are interchangeable, but I often see answer explanations on the forum that explicitly distinguish between the two (ie while A strengthens only the conclusion, B strengthens the whole argument). This has led me to think that the argument contains the premises and conclusion, so I am just wondering which is correct?

Thank you!

[Dave Killoran]

Hi Amelia,

It's closer to what you said at the end: "argument" encompasses all the pieces what the speaker is saying: conclusion, premise(s), counter-premise, etc.

"Conclusion" to me specifically refers to statements that rest on other statements (premises). "Main conclusion" is then the overall conclusion the author is driving at in the entire argument.

Please let me know if that helps. Thanks!