Intro to Argumentation: Analyzing Arguments

Please have out the following: 1) Pen/cil 2) Highlighter 3) Hand-out for Notes

Read the list if topics listed below and state your opinion on each topic. 1) Gun control 2) Legalizing marijuana 3) Welfare 4) Gay marriage

“By carefully and respectfully reading the viewpoints of others and considering a range of ideas on an issue, we develop a clearer understanding of our own beliefs—a necessary foundation to writing effective arguments”(Shea 2013)

The Rhetorical Triangle

Speaker =

Subject = LogosPathos: Audience

Ethos

Rhetoric

al

Context

Exigence:an issue, problem, or situation that

causes or prompts someone to write

or speak.

10 Terms to know

1) Argument:

2) Claim:

3) Claim of fact

4) Claim of Value

5) Claim of Policy

A process of reasoned inquiry & rational discourse seeking common ground

AKA assertion or proposition; states the argument’s main idea or position; has to be arguable

Asserts that something is true or not true

Argues that something is good or bad, right or wrong

Proposes a change

10 Terms to know

1) Closed thesis

2) Open thesis

3) Rogerian Arguments

4) Toulmin Model

5) Rebuttal

Statement of the main ideas of an argument that also previews the major points the writer intends to make

Statement of the main ideas of an argument that does not list all the points the writer intends to cover.

Based on the assumption that having a full understanding of an opposing position is essential…accommodating rather than alienating

Model of informal logic; does not attempt to prove, but rather it gives good reasons and persuasive arguments; Dev. for the courtroom

Possible objections

Carl Rogers• 20th century psychologist

• Replace confrontation with negotiation, compromise, and cooperation

Rogerian Argument: 1) based on the assumption that having a full understanding of an opposing position is essential in responding to it persuasively and refuting it in a way that is accommodating rather than alienating.

2) Goal is NOT to destroy your opponent; but, rather to reach a satisfactory conclusion.

Carl Rogers

So, what are the benefits of a Rogerian argument?

Staking a Claim

Claim: 1) AKA assertion or proposition; 2) states the argument’s main idea or position; 3) has to be arguable; 4) has to be stated as a complete sentence; (if it is a single word or phrase, it’s a topic, not a claim) 5) strong claims require topic exploration through

readings, discussions, taking notes, etc.

Topic: Single-Sex Classrooms

Of the following, which is a claim? Justify your reasoning and prepare to discuss…

1) Many schools have single-sex classrooms

2) Single-sex classrooms have been around for years, especially in private schools.

3) Single-sex classrooms are ineffective because they do not prepare students for the realities of the workplace.

Claims of Fact

• Asserts that something is true or not true.

EX: Zimbabwe has an unstable government. NOT a claim: Zimbabwe is in Africa.

EX: Main Street restaurants are more popular with older patrons than younger ones. NOT a claim: Main Street restaurants serve more customers at breakfast than at lunch.

Claims of Fact

• Facts become arguable when they are questioned, when they raise controversy, when they challenge people’s beliefs.

Consider: * What exactly is “factual”? * Matter of interpretation * New “facts” call into question older ones * Where do the facts come from? (The Source) * Who is financially supporting the research?

Claims of ValueArgues that something is good or bad, right or wrong,

desirable or undesirable.

• Most common type of claim• May be personal judgments based on taste• May be objective evaluations based on external criteria

EX: Ryan Gosling is the best leading man in Hollywood. Personal Criteria = “best” & “leading man”

EX: Gosling may be the best looking actor in Hollywood, Leonardo DiCaprio is more highly paid and his movies tend to make more money. External Criteria = Dollars & Cents

Claims of PolicyProposing a change…

• Generally begins with a definition of the problem (claim of fact)• Explains why it is a problem (claim of value)• Explains the change that needs to happen (claim of policy)• Calls for direct action to take place, or

recommendation for a change in attitude or viewpoint

EX: Proposal to switch to an alternative energy source School proposes to raise money for a cause. You want your parents to lift your curfew.

From Claim to Thesis: Getting More Specific

Open Thesis Statement: * Main ideas of the argument * does NOT list the points the intends to cover * usually used for longer essays, lots of points to cover

Closed Thesis Statement: * Main ideas of the argument * previews the major points * Typically three pronger!

Counterargument Thesis Statement: * summary of the counterargument precedes the writer’s opinion (uses although or but) * Advantage: immediately addresses the counter & helps the transition later

From Claim to Thesis: Getting More Specific

The popularity of the Harry Potter series demonstrates that simplicity trumps complexity when it comes to the taste of the readers, both young and old.

The three dimensional characters, exciting plot, and complex themes of the Harry Potter series make them not only legendary children’s books but enduring literary classics.

Although the Harry Potter series may have some literary merit, its popularity has less to do with storytelling than with merchandising.

From Claim to Thesis: Getting More Specific

Open Thesis Statement: The popularity of the Harry Potter series demonstrates that simplicity trumps complexity when it comes to the taste of the readers, both young and old.

Closed Thesis Statement: The three dimensional characters, exciting plot, and complex themes of the Harry Potter series make them not only legendary children’s books but enduring literary classics.

Counterargument Thesis Statement: Although the Harry Potter series may have some literary merit, its popularity has less to do with storytelling than with merchandising.