Standard Form (Argument)

Standard form is a canonical layout for writing out an Argument so its structure is unambiguous.

Why bother formatting it?

Standardizing exposes the logical skeleton: once the form is laid bare you can check Validity and identify fallacies.

P1) All cats are animals.
P2) Boots is a cat.
∴
C)  Boots is an animal.

Rules:

Each statement is a complete declarative sentence (Truth-Apt)
Premises numbered P1, P2, …
Conclusion clearly demarcated (∴, “Therefore,” or labeled C)
No rhetorical fluff; strip to logical content
Add any missing premises the argument relies on
Don’t conflate arguments with explanations