What do we mean by an Argument?
An Introduction
An Argument is Not a Fight or a Quarrel
Academic arguments do not come out of anger or hostility
Arguing is creative and productive
An argument can be engaging and develop critical thinking skills.
Respectful, informative, exploration of a concept or issue
An Argument is Not a Pro-Con Debate
Unlike presidential candidate, this isn't a pro-con debate
- Explanations
- It's not about proving someone wrong
- It's about opening a discussion
- Exchanging ideas
- Finding Truths
Arguments Can be Explicit or Implicit
Explicit Arguments
- Directly state its controversial clam and supports it with reasons and evidence
Implicit Argument
- May not look like an argument, it is an item that promotes a certain view point
- T-Shirt, bumper sticker, pin, etc.
Defining Features of an Argument
Justifications and Claims
- A set of two or more conflicting assertions
- The attempt to resolve the conflict through appeal or reason
- Use established logic and reason to support these ideas
- Process of two (or more) seeking a solution
- Product of the contribution brought to the conversation
Combines Truth Seeking and Persuasion
- Seeking a truth based on our values
- Persuading others to share our values