All men are mortal. Therefore , Socrates is mortal. Sometimes the chain is more convoluted, coiling around, knotting up, and tangling. The state permits people to smoke cigarettes. Smoking causes lung cancer.
Lung cancer harms the well-being of citizens.
The revision in 6 shows that statement 1 conflicts with statement 2. We need to define our terms, extablish a hierarchy of values, and justify whatever exclusions or modifications we need to make in order to examine our topic. Here's where the building metaphor weakens a bit. The roof goes on last when you build a temple, but you should always begin an argument with a clear statement of your position. Prop it up brick by brick , until it's high enough for you live comfortably under it.