The art of giving good reasons Introducing Argument The art of giving good reasons

Argument Argument is an attempt to inspire judgment in an another about something uncertain using reasons drawn from what the audience already knows and believes.

Parts of an Argument Claim: A statement about something uncertain

Parts of an Argument Claim: A statement about something uncertain Reason: Why we should agree

Parts of an Argument Claim: A statement about something uncertain Reason: Why we should agree Warrant: Underlying beliefs or assumptions that make the reasoning plausible

Parts of an Argument Claim: A statement about something uncertain Reason: Why we should agree Warrant: Underlying beliefs or assumptions that make the reasoning plausible Backing: evidence that supports the warrant

Parts of an Argument Claim: A statement about something uncertain Reason: Why we should agree Warrant: Underlying beliefs or assumptions that make the reasoning plausible Backing: evidence that supports the warrant Qualifiers: statements that limit the claim (like may, sometimes, could, must, etc)

Parts of an Argument Claim: A statement about something uncertain Reason: Why we should agree Warrant: Underlying beliefs or assumptions that make the reasoning plausible Backing: evidence that supports the warrant Qualifiers: statements that limit the claim (like may, sometimes, could, must, etc) Exceptions/rebuttal: statements that acknowledge and address counterarguments

An example

An example That guy is not boyfriend material

An example That guy is not boyfriend material CLAIM

An example Now, if you just simply agree, we don’t need to go any further with the argument.

An example Now, if you just simply agree, we don’t need to go any further with the argument. However, you may need some reason to believe me… in which case, I must offer more to support the claim.

An example

An example He doesn’t have a job, So that guy is not boyfriend material. REASON CLAIM

An example Convinced?

An example Convinced? You might question whether that is a good warranted reason. In which case, you need another layer of support…

An example He doesn’t have a job, So that guy is not boyfriend material, Because financial independence is essential to a healthy relationship. REASON CLAIM WARRANT

An example Now are you convinced? Perhaps you question that assumption

An example He doesn’t have a job, So that guy is not boyfriend material, Because financial independence is essential to a healthy relationship. And a 2015 study showed that arguments about money are a leading cause of relationship stress. REASON CLAIM WARRANT BACKING

An example Now, consider addressing counter-arguments.

An example Since he doesn’t have a job, that guy is not boyfriend material, Unless of course you want to be his sugar mama. REASON CLAIM REBUTTAL

An example Since he doesn’t have a job, that guy is not boyfriend material, Unless of course you want to be his sugar mama. Or his parents are loaded. REASON CLAIM REBUTTAL

An example Since he doesn’t have a job, that guy is not boyfriend material, Unless of course you want to be his sugar mama. Or his parents are loaded. Or he is really hot. REASON CLAIM REBUTTAL

An example Now, consider qualifying that claim– Is it a “never” or an “always” or a “probably” or a “perhaps,” etc.

An example Since he doesn’t have a job, that guy is Probably not boyfriend material, Unless of course you want to be his sugar mama. Or his parents are loaded. Or he is really hot. QUALIFIER REASON CLAIM REBUTTAL

An example Therefore Since REASON Qualifier CLAIM Because WARRANT Unless, REBUTTAL/ EXCEPTION As shown by BACKING