Causal Arguments

1. Causal Arguments “X causes/does not cause Y” (often linked to proposal arguments: need to “systematically explore the causes of a problem” and “predict and weigh the consequences of alternative solutions” (W.A. 229)

2. Problems of Causality • “forced” vs. “motivated” (W.A., 230) • recurring phenomena or trends • one-time occurrence • oversimplified cause • universal qualifier (“all”) vs. existential qualifier (“some”) • immediate vs. remote causes • contributing causes: conditions that lead to a precipitating cause (the “trigger”) • constraints: “negative cause that limits choices & possibilities” (W.A., 241)

3. Causal logos, ethos, pathos • Logos weaker in causal arguments b/c causality (re Hume) is inferred not seen • Can increase logos with chain of reasons • Ethos enhanced by looking at other potential causes and by knowledge of subject • Pathos increased by convincing audience of importance of issue

4. Methods • Causal mechanism explained • Inductive reasoning can lead to causal link (pattern recognition) • informal induction • scientific experimentation • correlation • Analogy or Precedent

5. Resemblance Arguments (“X is/is not like Y” • Arguments by analogy • undeveloped • extended • Arguments by precedent

6. Choose a causal format • 1 – chronological • explain all the links in a causal chain • 2 – multiple causes • ¶ for each cause, familiar to most surprising • 3 – unexpected cause • reject other expected causes ¶ by ¶ • 4 – to change audience’s mind about cause • summarize and refute opponent’s causal argument • present your own causal argument