What’s in a “therefore”?

What is the function of “therefore” and other similar expressions such as “so,” “thus,” when used in the presentation of an argument? In this paper, I highlight two independent functions of “therefore” when so used. First, it may function as a conclusion indicator. That is, “therefore” can be used to serialize a list of propositions into premises and conclusion, thereby highlighting a structure that is determinative of an argument. Second, “therefore” may function as an inference-claim designator. In general, an inference claim says that the premises of the associated argument constitute a reason for adopting a specific propositional attitude toward the conclusion or for doing what it prescribes. My main task here is developing an account of this two-fold function of “therefore.” The primary takeaway is clarification of when and how uses of “therefore” (or similar expressions) in presenting arguments are indicative of the nature of arguing. When a speaker merely uses “therefore” as a conclusion indicator, they present an argument without thereby arguing for the conclusion. However, an arguer’s use of “therefore” as an inference-claim designator registers their intention to use the associated argument in a reason-giving way. This intention is an essential element of an arguer’s act of arguing for the conclusion. Since an arguer’s use of “therefore” as an inference-claim designator is indicative of their intention so understood, clarifying the semantic and pragmatic determinants of the inference claim expressed by “therefore” on a given use is a means of clarifying the nature of the associated arguing.