Arguments

Goals

  1. Describe arguments.
  2. Excel at arguments
    • Making arguments
    • Analyzing and improving arguments
    • Respond to arguments

Arguments (What)

An argument is a set of propositions with one of them (the conclusion) purportedly justified by the other ones.

Examples

  1. Conclusion: The earth is flat.

    1. If it was round, it wouldn’t appear so.
    2. Thus, it must be flat

  2. Conclusion: Everyone should learn and apply CT

    1. CT provides high levels of ethical results and rewards.
    2. If something provides ethical results and and rewards, it is worthwhile. Results matter!
    3. Thus, CT should learned and applied.

  3. Conclusion: Einstein’s mass energy equivalence \(E = mc^2\) is true.

    1. This is proven in his 1905 paper.
    2. It is also proven in physics texts.
    3. This result is strongly supported by a wide range of experimental tests.

Rationale (WIFM)

Here are some reasons why learning about arguments is worthwhile.

  1. Maximize your abilities to make wise choices about reality. What is most likely true? What is most worthwhile? What are the best actions to take?

  2. Maximize your abilities to have others understand your point-of-view about reality:

  3. Maximize your abilities to resist those who excel at persuasion but not in ways that benefit their targets. That is resist advertisers, manipulators, cults, cons, and so on.

Some Nomenclature

Arguer: This is the actor who figures out and communicates an argument.

Audience: This is the actor to whom the arguments is communicated.

Disagreement: This is when two or more actors disagree about a conclusion.

Dispute: This is when two or more actors disagree about a conclusion and they battle each other, typically with one or both striving to get their adversary to change their conclusion.

Excelling with Arguments (How To)

  1. Learn the Fundamentals: These are explained in high-quality critical thinking textbooks.

  2. Arguer Role :

    • After doing your research, map your claim into clear textbook logic.
    • Aim for reasoning that is valid, unbiased, and as strong (sound) as possible.
    • Then craft your delivery to maximize clarity and persuasive power.

  3. Audience Role Decide first whether to respond or not. If responding,

    • Map the argument into textbook logic.
    • Identify fallacies, minimize bias, and analyze how well the conclusion follows from the premises.
    • Then choose the best response strategy (e.g., Socratic questioning, debate, active listening) to achieve your goals.