Presentation is loading. Please wait.

Presentation is loading. Please wait.

Argumentation.

Similar presentations


Presentation on theme: "Argumentation."— Presentation transcript:

1 Argumentation

2 What is argumentation? Argumentation is an appeal to reason.
It is a reasoned, logical way of presenting a position, belief, or conclusion. It takes a stand—supported by evidence— and urges people to share the writer’s perspective and insights.

3 What is the purpose of argumentation?
The purpose is: To consider all viewpoints What you expect your argument to accomplish How you wish your audience to respond

4 The structure: An introduction with a clear thesis or claim (remember the thesis must be debatable and can be tested with an antithesis) A clear sense of purpose and audience (why are you writing this and to whom/what are you writing?) Evidence – facts and opinions Appeals – facts, emotions, credibility Nods to the opposition and then refutation to it

5 Four Criteria to Evaluate Evidence:
Relevance: information should support the thesis/claim being made and support the argument. Representative : evidence should represent your side and the opposing side. Just make sure most of your information is about your position.

6 Criteria continued 3. Sufficient: there should be enough evidence to support the claim. The amount of evidence you need depends on -length of the paper -your audience -your thesis statement 4. Accuracy: Data shouldn’t be used unless it is accurate and up-to-date.

7 Acknowledging the Opposition
A writer acknowledges the points of view of those that do not agree with him/her in order to refute that position. When an argument is so compelling that it cannot be dismissed you should concede. This means to admit that it is valid.

8 How do you get to a conclusion?
You move from evidence to a conclusion by using deductive reasoning or inductive reasoning. Most arguments use both types of reasoning. Deductive reasoning: proceeds from general to specific Syllogism: basic form of deductive argument and consists of a major premise, minor premise, and conclusion. When a conclusion follows logically from the major to minor premise then the argument is valid. Inductive reasoning: moves from individual observations to a general conclusion (no specific form) First, decide on a question to be answered: hypothesis. Gather evidence that is relevant to the question. Move from your evidence to your conclusion by making an inference.

9 Recognizing Fallacies
Fallacies are illogical statements that may sound reasonable but are actually deceptive and dishonest. The following are common fallacies you should both recognize and avoid:

10 Fallacies Begging the question: this tactic asks the readers to agree that certain points are self-evident when they are not False Analogy: a comparison that ignores important dissimilarities between what is being compared Personal Attack: tries to divert attention from the facts of the argument by attacking the person making the argument Generalizations: sometimes called jumping to conclusion – occurs when a conclusion is based off too little evidence

11 Fallacies Either/Or: writers suggest only two alternative exist
Equivocation: the meaning of a key term changes at some point in the argument Red Herring: the focus of the argument is shifted You Also: the opponent’s argument has no value because the opponent does not follow his/her own advice Appeal to Doubtful Authority: attempt to strengthen an argument with references to experts or famous people – not valid when the person referenced has no expertise on the subject.

12 More fallacies! Misleading statistics: statistics that are distorted or misinterpreted to influence the audience Post hoc: because two events occur close together in time the first must cause the second Non sequitur: a statement does not logically follow form a previous statement


Download ppt "Argumentation."

Similar presentations


Ads by Google