Argument Language is a form of motivated action

Argument as Discourse It’s important to understand that for the purposes of this class, Argument means the exchange of ideas in order to discover some version of the truth. (Persuasion is to know a truth) Reason and evidence are key Finding common ground with others is also key

Types of Argument To inform—tell an audience something they didn’t know To convince—persuade readers rather than win over opponents To explore—to get to know the nuances of an issue To make decisions—(often tied to making policies)

Types of Argument (cont) About the past (System of a Down) About the future About the present Of definition Of evaluation

Stasis Theory of Argument Determining the point at which people disagree Questions to ask: Did something happen? What is its nature (arguments of definition) What is its quality (arguments of evaluation) What action should be taken (proposals)

Audience Arguments need to speak compellingly to others Writer needs to think about: Imagined readers Invoked readers Real Readers Writers need to think about the context of the audience: Factors: Social, cultural, institutional, economic, linguistic, geographic

Connecting with an Audience Pathos – use of emotion Ethos – presentation of self and evidence to establish credibility Logos – Facts, statistics, credible testimony, sound reasoning –Inductive Reasoning: drawing a generalization based on a number of examples –Deductive Reasoning: assumes a general principle and then applying this a specific case

To write well: Think dynamically: topic/audience/writer Ask good questions: What is the question at issue? Who is my audience and how do I build credibility with them? Find effective ways to enter the discourse (templates from They Say, I Say)

Writing Effective Arguments Learn to recognize reasonable claims so you can make your own Use sound reasons and reliable evidence Understand underlying assumptions

Toulmin Argument Claims=debatable and controversial statements or assertions worth arguing Claims that take a stand Evidence + Reason = Claim There must be a logical and persuasive connection between claims and reasons. This is called the warrant.