Short Arguments

Goals

1. Describe short arguments.
2. Consistently make short arguments.

What

A short argument is a argument that uses the minimum amounts of words to get its job done.

The skill called “making short arguments” involve creating this style of argument routinely and easily.

Why

This skill is worth learning and practicing because it saves time, increases persuasive power, improves communication, and helps you learn the core of logic.

While long arguments are common, they are hard to follow, a lot of work to write, and often obscure the point the arguer wishes to make.

How

1. Build and use templates for each kind of argument.
   
2. Reword your argument to best match your purpose (persuasion, explanation, justification, teaching, etc.).

Templates and Examples

Truth Claims

Template: X is true because Y (evidence, authority, or definition).

• Boise is the capital of Idaho because state law designates this.
  
• Water is made of 2 atoms of hydrogen and 1 atom of oxygen because experiments confirm this, and the ratio explains all observed chemical reactions.
  
• Stress is force per unit area (F/A) because this is the agreed technical definition used in science and engineering.
  
• Global warming is happening because global temperatures, ice melt, and sea levels are all rising consistently.
  
• Vaccines are safe because the risk of side effects is far lower than the risk of disease, as shown by clinical trials and population data.

Value Claims

Template: X is better than Y because Z (advantages or outcomes).

• SI units are better than other systems because they are universal, consistent, and based on physical constants.
  
• Walking is better than driving short distances because it is healthier and often faster.
  
• Vaccinating is better than not vaccinating because it prevents illness and protects communities.
  
• Reading high-quality sources is better than relying on random posts because it gives you accurate, balanced information.
  
• Topic X is worth learning because it gives you abilities and opportunities that improve your life.

Action Claims

Template: We should do X because Y (goal, payoff, or problem solved).

• We should leave early because traffic gets heavy later.
  
• We should use SI units because they prevent confusion and errors in science and engineering.
  
• We should bring trekking poles because the trail is icy and poles increase safety.
  
• We should vaccinate because it prevents dangerous diseases and protects vulnerable people.
  
• We should study Topic X because it prepares us to solve important problems and take advantage of opportunities.

Revising Arguments

Arguments can and should be revised to best meet your purposes.

Example 1:

• Shortest: We should bring trekking poles because the trail is icy.
  
• Expanded for persuasion: We should bring trekking poles because the trail is icy, and without them, we risk slipping and getting injured.
  
• Teaching: We should bring trekking poles because the trail is icy. Poles increase stability by widening your base of support, which reduces the chance of falling.

Example 2:

• Shortest: SI units are better because they are universal.
  
• Expanded for explanation: SI units are better than other systems because they are universal, consistent, and based on fundamental constants.
  
• Persuasive emphasis: SI units are better because they prevent costly mistakes in science, engineering, and everyday life, unlike inconsistent unit systems.