EXERCISE 14.7

The following sentences contain deductive arguments based on implied major premises. Identify each of the implied premises.

  1. The use of marijuana for medical purposes should be legal if it can improve a patient’s condition and does not harm anyone.
    Any medical treatments that improve a patient’s condition and do not harm anyone should be legal.

  2. Women soldiers should not serve in combat positions because doing so would expose them to a much higher risk of death.
    Women should not be exposed to a higher risk of death.

  3. Animals can’t talk; therefore they can’t feel pain as humans do.
    Only those who can talk can feel pain.