Direct measurement
The argument
Because the BLS measured 6.5% CPI growth for 2022 and the threshold for “high” annual inflation is 5%, and 6.5% exceeds that threshold, the claim follows.
Does it work?
- Does it follow?
- certain if the premises holdIf the premises are true, the conclusion must be. Whether they are is shown beside this.constitution →
- Do the premises hold?
- 1 inconclusive1 verified
Granting its premises, the inference is simple arithmetic and goes through. The argument lives or dies on where the threshold for “high” inflation is set: the measured figure is verified, so the unsettled definitional premise carries all of the remaining weight.
Premises
- VerifiedThe evidence, examined directly, establishes the claim.constitution →The BLS measured US CPI-U growth of 6.5% for December 2022 over December 2021.
- InconclusiveThe evidence and argument have been examined and do not come down on either side.constitution →Annual inflation above 5% counts as “high” inflation.
Where it is made
Passages where sources make, criticize or mention this argument. They record where it appears, not how strong it is, and none has precedence over another.
- Consumer Price Index — December 2022mentions it
The all items index increased 6.5 percent for the 12 months ending December, the smallest 12-month increase since the period ending October 2021.
Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2023-01-12
- Yes, 2022's inflation was highmakes itleaves a premise unstatedThe passage relies on a premise the inference needs without saying it.constitution →
At 6.5%, inflation ran well past anything a reasonable person would call normal.
A columnist · Example Review · 2023-02
- Whose threshold?criticizes itstates it fullyThe passage states the inference with what it needs.constitution →
Calling 6.5% ‘high’ just assumes the answer: high relative to what?
2025-09
Earlier ratings
- Nov 2, 2024likely if the premises holdIf the premises are true, the conclusion is much more likely, though not guaranteed.constitution →
The inference goes through if the threshold premise is read as 5%; the premise was then unassessed, so the rating was held below certain.