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Introduction to Argument

Introduction to Argument. What is an Argument?. Definition – a process of reasoning and advancing proof. “Argumentation is the art of influencing others, through the medium of reasoned discourse, to believe or act as we wish them to believe or act”

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Introduction to Argument

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  1. Introduction to Argument

  2. What is an Argument? • Definition – a process of reasoning and advancing proof

  3. “Argumentation is the art of influencing others, through the medium of reasoned discourse, to believe or act as we wish them to believe or act” J.M. O’Neill, C. Laycock, and R.L. Scale, Argumentation and Debate (New York: Macmillan, 1925), p.1.

  4. An argument is a statement or statements offering support for a claim

  5. Parts of an argument: • The claim • The support • The warrant

  6. The Claim • Also called “the proposition” • Answer the question “What are they trying to prove?” • Three types • Claims of fact • Claims of value • Claims of policy

  7. Claims of Fact • A condition has existed, exists or will exist • Based on facts or data that the audience will accept as true and provable • Must be supported by data

  8. Claims of Value • Attempt to prove that some things are more or less desirable than others • Express approval or disapproval of standards of taste and morality • Advertisements and reviews are good examples • Emerge when argument is about what is good or bad, beautiful or ugly.

  9. Claims of Policy • Assert that specific policies should be instituted as solutions to problems • Should, must, or ought to usually appears in the statement • Call for analysis of both fact and value

  10. The Support • Evidence • Facts • Statistics • Testimony from experts • Motivational appeals • Appeals to the values and attitudes of the audience to win support for the claim

  11. The Warrant • An inference or assumption, a belief or principal that is taken for granted • Guarantee of reliability • Warrant’s job – • Guarantee the soundness of the relationship between the support and the claim • Allows the audience to make a connection between the support and the claim

  12. Example One • Claim: • Adoption of a vegetarian diet leads to healthier and longer life • Support: • The authors of Becoming a Vegetarian Family say so. • Warrant: • The authors of Becoming a Vegetarian Family are reliable sources of information on diet.

  13. Example Two • Claim: • Laws preventing people from smoking in restaurants should be repealed. • Support: • People should have the right to smoke anywhere they wish. • Warrant: • No laws should prevent citizens from exercising their rights.

  14. Assessing Credibility • Aristotle’s attributes that produce credibility: • Intelligence, Character, and Good Will • Today’s qualities: • Knowledgeable – well informed on the topic • Not only truthful, but also morally upright and dependable • Good intentions – consider the interests and needs of others as well as your own

  15. Acquiring Credibility • Submit evidence of careful research - give credit • Adopt a thoughtful and fair tone – keep your audience in mind.

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