The Art of Argumentation

Getting Started… In your notes (yes, we are taking some notes today) tell me the difference between argument and persuasion. Your response can be brief – three sentences or so and you need to be prepared to share.

What an argument is not… A quarrel or an angry exchange “Spin” (the positive or biased slant that politicians routinely use) Propaganda (information or misinformation spread to support a viewpoint) Contradiction or denial of the opposition

An academic argument is defined as… Taking a debatable position, presenting evidence and using sound logic to convince the audience to accept (or at least consider) your position. Statements of fact or statements of personal preference or taste are not typically suited for an academic argument.

The Argument… in a nutshell A solid argument will typically include three very important things: 1. Claims 2. Evidence 3. Warrants You will want to highlight the definition of each in your notes

Claims:  In argumentative writing the writer presents a claim to the audience  Claim: a proposition that conveys the writer’s interpretations or beliefs about something.  Claims are not facts but rather conclusions drawn from facts.  The truth or validity of a claim can be argued by others and there is always an opposing point of view

Claims:  Make sure that when you are developing a claim for a paper, that the following conditions are met: 1. The claim actually conveys your interpretation and is not a statement of fact. 2. The claim(s) can be supported by specific evidence

Claim Statements:  A claim statement is typically just your position on the issue posed and a very basic “why” you think that.  Example: MRHS seniors are better than any other cohort of seniors because they constantly push to be the best in academics, athletics and the arts.

Evidence and Warrants:  Evidence: support or facts that are indisputable because they are grounded in solid, academic, reliable research  Evidence is used to support the claim  Warrant: logical connection between a claim and the supporting evidence  Sometimes the relationship between the claim and the evidence will be obvious and the writer won’t need to expound on the relationship between the two.  Sometimes you will need to show the reader the connection

Styles of Argumentation Rogerian Argument: non-confrontational, collegial and friendly tone. Respects others views and allows for more than one truth. Seeks to achieve common ground, not to fully convince someone. Classical Argument: Simplest form of argumentation, includes five parts. Respects others views but keeps in mind that the audience may not be open to new ideas and perspectives.

Styles of Argument Video

Thought for Food with Mr. Stephen Colbert!

What is the real deal with “Meatless Monday”? 1. The US Department of Agriculture released and internal newsletter to employees encouraging them to “Go Green.” There were several tips on how one (should they want to) could reduce his or her impact on the environment. One of these tips suggested participating in “Meatless Mondays.” 2. What is meatless Monday?

What is the real deal with “Meatless Monday”?  Several US senators and representatives from states where beef is the primary cash crop were appalled by this statement and the media blew up with reports of politicians slamming the USDA because this statement appeared to be non-supportive of agriculture in the US—most of which is connected to the Beef Industry…

What is the real deal with “Meatless Monday”?  The USDA retracted their suggestion and publically stated that it supports all Americans in agribusiness and that their suggestion was misinterpreted.

Okay, so what topics does Colbert pose some sort of argument with? 1. Vegetarianism Elite Complex 2. PETA and animal rights groups 3. Government agencies’ influence on the people 4. The role of special interest groups on supposedly bi- partisan and neutral government agencies

Questions to Ponder… 1. Does being a vegetarian make one morally superior? 2. Is there too much government regulation? 3. Do activist groups go too far in attempting to shame someone into supporting their cause? 4. Did the media make this issue more of an issue than it was? 5. Was the USDA out of line in encouraging employees to think and act green? 6. Have Americans become too sensitive and reactive to opposing viewpoints?

Questions to Ponder…  As a group, discuss each question…  Write a claim statement for each question  Be prepared to share your group’s statements Example… 1. Being a vegetarian does not make one morally superior because no one person is automatically better than another simply based on what they eat.