Elements of Thought: Implications

• Implications are conclusions which are given by the sender.
• The reasons in an argument are intended to lead to an implication.
• For example:
• All men are mortal.
  Socrates is a man.
  Therefore, Socrates is mortal.
  The first two sentences (the premises or reasons) imply or lead to the conclusion, "Socrates is mortal."
• NOTE: Implications can be explicit or implicit. A frequent error is to think they must be unstated.

Comment

• The difference between implying and inferring is who is doing it. Deliverers imply. Receivers infer.
• For a clearer explanation, see the next page.

Checklist

• Regarding implications;
• Determine where the evidence leads.
  
• Be careful to avoid unwarranted assumptions.
  
• Consider the further implications as discussed in the next point. . .