Introduction to Argument

Definition – a process of reasoning and advancing proof What is an Argument?

“Argumentation is the art of influencing others, through the medium of reasoned discourse, to believe or act as we wish them to believe or act” J.M. O’Neill, C. Laycock, and R.L. Scale, Argumentation and Debate (New York: Macmillan, 1925), p.1.

An argument is a statement or statements offering support for a claim. The claim The support The warrant Cornell review-how would I note this? Parts of an argument:

Intro to Argument6/6/12 Parts of? Claim, support, warrant Define?Statement offering support of claim. TEST!!

The Claim Also called “the proposition” Answer the question “What are they trying to prove?” Three types 1.Claims of fact 2.Claims of value 3.Claims of policy

A condition has existed, exists or will exist Based on facts or data that the audience will accept as true and provable Must be supported by data-Text book 1.Claims of Fact (your project)

Attempt to prove that some things are more or less desirable than others Express approval or disapproval of standards of taste and morality Advertisements and reviews are good examples Emerge when argument is about what is good or bad, beautiful or ugly. 2.Claims of Value (I Believe)

Assert that specific policies should be instituted as solutions to problems Should, must, or ought to usually appears in the statement Call for analysis of both fact and value 3.Claims of Policy (Final)

The Support 1.Evidence Facts (from text book) Statistics (also from TB) Testimony from experts (TB) 2.Motivational appeals Appeals to the values and attitudes of the audience to win support for the claim (you)

The Warrant (thesis-main argument) An inference or assumption, a belief or principal that is taken for granted Guarantee of reliability Warrant’s job – 1.Guarantee the soundness of the relationship between the support and the claim 2.Allows the audience to make a connection between the support and the claim

Example One Claim: Adoption of a vegetarian diet leads to healthier and longer life Support: The authors of Becoming a Vegetarian Family say so. Warrant: The authors of Becoming a Vegetarian Family are reliable sources of information on diet.

Example Two Claim: Laws preventing people from smoking in restaurants should be repealed. Support: People should have the right to smoke anywhere they wish. Warrant: No laws should prevent citizens from exercising their rights.

Assessing Credibility Aristotle’s attributes that produce credibility: Intelligence, Character, and Good Will Today’s qualities: 1.Knowledgeable – well informed on the topic Ex-teacher, someone in the field 2.Not only truthful, but also morally upright and dependable Ex-senator, well known person-Oprah 3.Good intentions – consider the interests and needs of others as well as your own

Acquiring Credibility 1.Submit evidence of careful research - give credit -naming who you are referring to gives weight to your argument. 2.Adopt a thoughtful and fair tone – keep your audience in mind. -make sure you think about the audience background to help improve your argument.

Partner Project Outline 5 paragraph format Intro=hook/define/claim/support/warrant Body paragraph 1/2/3=3 sub-points with quotes from chapter 1-2 per body Conclusion=define other argument/final thought