The Core of an Argument: A Claim with Reasons (Writing Arguments Chapter 3)

1. The Core of an Argument: A Claim with Reasons (Writing Arguments Chapter 3) CS4001 Kristin Marsicano

2. Discussion/Review Questions • What are the three parts of the rhetorical triangle, what do they mean, to whom/what do they apply?

3. Rhetorical Triangle • Logos • internal consistency and clarity • logic of reasons and support (logical appeal) • Ethos • credibility of arguer • care in presenting alternate views • writer investment in claims • possibly reputation for honesty and expertise (ethical appeal) • Pathos • appealing to audiences imaginative sympathies • making argument palpable and immediate

4. Rhetorical Triangle Message (LOGOS: How can I make the argument consistent and logical? How can I find the best reasons and evidence?) Writer or Speaker: (ETHOS: How can I present myself effectively? How can I enhance my credibility and trustworthiness?) Audience (PATHOS: How can I make the reader open to my message? How can I appeal to the reader’s values and interests?)

5. Discussion/Review Questions • What are the three parts of the rhetorical triangle, what do they mean, to whom/what do they apply? • What are facts and how do they increase the persuasiveness of an argument?

6. Facts…What are they? • “A non-controversial piece of data that is verifiable through observation or through appeal to communally accepted authorities” • Facts can increase persuasiveness by having • Recency. What’s the latest data? • Representativeness. Are the supporting examples typical rather than extreme or rare. • Sufficiency. Are there enough examples to justify the point. (No hasty generalization.)

7. Discussion/Review Questions • What are the three parts of the rhetorical triangle, what do they mean, to whom/what do they apply? • What are facts and how do they increase the persuasiveness of an argument? • What is the difference between an information question and an issue?

8. Issue Questions are the Basis of Argument • Issue question: controversial question that gives rise to alternative answers. • Issue versus information questions • Some questions merely call for more information, not argument. In answering an information question, you assume the role of a teacher. • But if you must assume the role of an advocate, then the question is an issue question. • Also if the facts of the answer are controversial, then the question is an issue question.

9. Information vs. Issue • Which of the following is are issue questions and which are information questions? • What is the percentage that CS enrollments in the U.S. declined in 2005?

10. Information vs. Issue • Which of the following is are issue questions and which are information questions? • What is the percentage that CS enrollments in the U.S. declined in 2005? • What is the effect of outsourcing statistics on CS enrollments in the U.S.?

11. Information vs. Issue • Which of the following is are issue questions and which are information questions? • What is the percentage that CS enrollments in the U.S. declined in 2005? • What is the effect of outsourcing statistics on CS enrollments in the U.S.? • What is the reason that enrollments in CS in the U.S. are now increasing?

12. Discussion/Review Questions • What are the three parts of the rhetorical triangle, what do they mean, to whom/what do they apply? • What are facts and how do they increase the persuasiveness of an argument? • What is the difference between an information question and an issue? • A genuine (not pseudo-argument) requires two ingredients—what are they?

13. Arguments VS Pseudo Arguments • A genuine argument requires • Reasonable participants who operate within the conventions of reasonable behavior. • Potentially shareable assumptions that can serve as a starting place or foundation for the argument. • Otherwise, it is a pseudo-argument: • Fanatical believers or fanatical skeptics • Lack of shared assumptions

14. Discussion/Review Questions • What are the three parts of the rhetorical triangle, what do they mean, to whom/what do they apply? • What are facts and how do they increase the persuasiveness of an argument? • What is the difference between an information question and an issue? • A genuine (not pseudo-argument) requires two ingredients—what are they? • How do we support our claims for an issue?

15. Arguments: Claims Supported by Reasons • A reason is a claim used to support another claim. • Reasons are usually linked to their claims with words like because, thus, since, consequently, and therefore to underscore their logical connection. • Formulating lists of reasons for the competing views can break the persuasive task into more manageable subtasks. • A good way to formulate an argument is to create a working thesis statement that summarizes your main reasons as because clauses attached to your claim. However, be aware of the opposing points of view.

16. Argumentation Workout Claim: Public libraries should make it impossible for patrons to access pornographic website content from library computers.