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

3. 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.

4. Parts of an Argument
Claim: A statement about something uncertain

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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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)

9. 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

10. An example

11. An example
That guy is not boyfriend material

12. An example
That guy is not boyfriend material
CLAIM

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

14. 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.

15. An example

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

17. An example
Convinced?

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

19. 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

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

21. 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

22. An example
Now, consider addressing counter-arguments.

23. 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

24. 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

25. 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

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

27. 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

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