Chapter 5

2. Chapter 5 Analyze Arguments and Diagram Decisions

3. Learning Outcomes • Identify the reason or reasons, explicit or implicit, a person is using to argue that a given claim is true or very probably true • Display the analyses of arguments using argument maps, showing where appropriate the final conclusion, various lines of reasoning used, implicit but unspoken reasons

4. Learning Outcomes • Given more complex conversations containing multiple arguments, pro and con, made in a given context, analyze and map those arguments including the divergent conclusions being advocated and the counter-arguments presented to the reasons advanced by one side or another

5. Learning Outcomes • Apply argument mapping techniques to display analyses of decision making by individuals or groups, include statements that indicate that a decision is needed, lines of reasoning that abandoned, options which were considered but not accepted

6. Chapter Opening Video

7. Introduction • Make an argument: Process of giving one or more reasons in support of a claim • Claim: Statement that the maker of the argument is seeking to show to be true or probably true • An argument’s claim can be referred to as the argument’s conclusion

8. Introduction • Reason(s): Statements used to show that the conclusion is true or that it is probably true • Considerations or rationale are other terms used to refer to reasons • Argument: Combination of a person’s claim and the reason(s) a person presents in support of that claim

9. Analyzing Reasons and Claims • Accuracy depends on context and purpose • Over-simplification masks reality • Reason and premise

10. Accuracy Depends on Context and Purpose • Accurate analyses: • Deepens one’s understanding of what other people are saying • Helps in evaluating or making cogent counterarguments • Accuracy of an analysis depends on knowing the difference between reason and claim • Rule of thumb

11. Over-Simplification Masks Reality • Humans are not fully reflective and thoughtful while making decisions • Analysis is an active skill • Confusions to avoid • Argument does not mean quarrel or disagreement • The word conclusion does not suggest that the person’s conclusion must come at the end

12. Reason and Premise • Grammatical structure, context, and purpose must be considered to make a correct analysis • In normal everyday conversations, people seldom articulate every premise

13. Common Words and Phrases Used to Signal Conclusions and Reasons

14. Mapping Claims and the Reasons for them • Interpreting unspoken reasons and claims in context • Interpreting the use of irony, humor, sarcasm, and more

15. Map 1

16. Map 2

17. Map 3

18. Map 4

19. Interpreting Unspoken Reasons and Claims in Context • Unspoken assumptions can be made due to certain factors • Context • Shared experiences • Common knowledge • Similarities of cultural backgrounds

20. Map 5

21. Interpreting the Use of Irony, Humor, Sarcasm, and More • Words can be represented in brackets to: • Clarify a statement • Describe nonverbal cues

22. Analyzing Arguments in Context • The El Train argument • The “Guns for Kids” conversation

23. Map 6

24. Map 7

25. Map 8

26. Map 9

27. Map 10

28. Expressions that Often Signal Objections or Counterarguments

29. Expressions that Often Signal Objections or Counterarguments

30. Discussion Questions • What clarifications or distinctions would you add to the Guns for Kids example? • Deliberate on the emotions the example evoked • Are there any other important considerations they should have thought about? • How did you avoid demonizing, underestimating, or disrespecting one or the other side of this issue?

31. Analyzing and Mapping Decisions • “We should cancel the spring trip” #1 • “We should cancel the spring trip” #2

32. Map 11

33. Map 12

34. Map 13

35. Mapping Conventions

36. Sketchnote Video