What does a "premise indicator" signal in an argument?

A premise indicator signals a premise in an argument by indicating that a certain statement supports or provides evidence for the conclusion. Common premise indicators include words and phrases such as "since," "because," "for," "given that," and "assuming that." These indicators help readers identify the foundational statements that the argument relies on to substantiate its conclusion.

Recognizing these indicators is crucial for understanding the structure of an argument, as they show which statements serve as the supporting reasons leading to a conclusion. Being able to identify premise indicators allows one to analyze and evaluate arguments more effectively, as it clarifies how the premises connect to and support the overall argument.