What is an Argument?
What is an Argument? Communication which searches for truth In writing, includes the writer and the reader in a shared mission A process of finding common ground (Rogerian argument)
The Difference Between Arguments and Persuasion There are three different camps in the definitions of arguments and persuasion One camp holds that persuasion is the larger concept of methods of creating changes in action or thought (including manipulation and physical force), with argumentation being one method of that (which does not include manipulation and physical force. Barnet and Bedau agree with this definition The second holds that argumentation is the larger concept of creating changes in action or thought, with persuasion being one, lesser, method of that (as it would include manipulation and physical force). This is the instructor s stance. The third holds that Argumentation is synonymous with logical appeals and persuasion is synonymous with non-rational appeals (more on these in the next notes). The funny thing is, when it comes to writing, it doesn t really matter which is which, as long as you get the concept that argumentation is taking a stance on idea or issue with some end result (probably a change in the reader s position) in mind
Categories of Arguments Stasis Theory Arguments of fact Did something happen? An argument of fact seeks evidence that can be proved or disproved Interestingly, the Facts can often be interpreted differently by different people A necessary step, but often also a step fraught with peril
Categories of Arguments Stasis Theory Arguments of Definition What is the Nature of the thing? Once the fact that something did or did not happen is established, next one must figure-out just what the fact is Definition and categorization One must be able to evaluate something through comparing it to other, similar, things
Categories of Arguments Stasis Theory Arguments of Evaluation What is the quality of the thing? Once facts have been evaluated, they must then be analyzed through a more subjective scope. These arguments are so common that they are usually taken for granted Must be able to support the evaluation
Categories of Arguments Stasis Theory Proposal Arguments What action should be taken? A complete stasis analysis often naturally leads the reader to the question of What can we do? Arguments of action should be clear in stating what action should be taken and why.
Analyzing Arguments Because arguments can have such a large impact, and because well-done arguments can be persuasive without the reader even knowing why, it is important to be able to analyze arguments in order to understand them.
Analyzing Arguments Who is the audience for this argument? What is the purpose of the argument? What are the contexts for this argument? In other words, how does argument fit into the world? What appeals does the argument use? What emotional arguments or techniques does it use? What values does it evoke? On what values does it depend? What appeals to authority are made? Who is making the argument and are they trustworthy? What facts are used? What logic? What evidence? How is it arranged and presented? What claims are advanced? What issues are raised? Ignored? Silenced? What shape does this argument take (text, audio, image)? What media does the argument use? How does the language and style of the argument work to persuade an audience?
Bibliography Want to know more about argumentation? Barnet, Sylvan and Hugo Bedau. From Critical Thinking to Argument: A Portable Guide 3 rd ed. Boston: Bedford, 2011. Heath, Malcolm. "The substructure of stasis-theory from Hermagoras to Hermogenes." The Classical Quarterly 44.1 (1994): 114+. Expanded Academic ASAP. Web. 10 May 2012. Heppner, P. Paul, Mark E. Rogers, and Lucienne A. Lee. "Carl Rogers: Reflections On His Life." Journal Of Counseling & Development 63.1 (1984): 14. Academic Search Premier. Web. 10 May 2012.