Argumentation by Laurie G. Kirszner & Stephan R. Mandell

Argumentation The process of reasoning that asserts the soundness of a debatable position, belief, or conclusion.

Argumentation Argumentation takes a stand – supported by evidence – and urges people to share the writer’s perspective and insights.

Argumentation Argumentation can be used to 1.convince other people to accept (or at least the validity of ) your position 2.To defend your position even if you cannot convince other people to agree 3.To question or refute a position you believe to be misguided, untrue, dangerous, or evil (without necessarily offering an alternative).

Persuasion Persuasion is how a writer influences an audience to adopt a belief, follow a course of action, or both. Persuasion is achieved by using appeals and techniques. –Logos, Ethos, Pathos (Logic, Ethics, Emotion)

Argumentation Argumentation mainly appeals to logos or logic (reasoning) Argumentation is a connection of statements that lead logically to a conclusion. Argumentation’s main purpose is validate ideas (which often will lead the reader to change his or her course of action at that moment or in the future)

Argumentation Logos is the main appeal but others can be used Do not use unfair appeals because it will undercut your reader’s belief

Planning an Argument Choose a topic in which you have and intellectual or emotional stake Be able to consider other viewpoints Be well informed of your topic Choose a narrow enough topic PURPOSE – what do you expect to accomplish & How will your audience respond

Planning an Argument Take A Stand – State your position in the form of a thesis. –Is your thesis Debatable? –Your thesis should not be a statement of fact –Write an Antithesis (statement that asserts the opposite position as your thesis)

Audience Consider the appropriate audience for your research paper, is it me? Or is it someone else in your career field by chance?

Gathering Evidence Evidence can be fact or opinion –Facts are often statistics –Facts are more effective when supported by opinions (interpretations of facts) Evidence can be raised by asking questions from the readers point of view

Criteria for Evidence 1.Relevant 1.Support your thesis and be pertinent to your argument 2.Representative 1.Represent the full range of opinions about the subject (do not limit to PETA) 2.Typical vs. Atypical 3.Sufficient 1.Use enough facts to support your thesis

Documentation of Evidence Document Everything with MLA Style Common Knowledge does not need to be documented

Dealing with Opposition Refutation –Anticipate reasonable objections a person may have then address in your essay Definition, Cause And Effect Analysis could prove effective in refuting opposing arguments You must address the most compelling arguments of your opponent.

Straw Man Do NOT build a straw man –Distortion of an opponents argument making it seem weaker than in actuality. (We will not be fooled!)