1. 1 Refutation 1. Definition - the act of revealing weaknesses in arguments, or of proving an argument to be false or erroneous. 2. Strategic Steps Step A: Analyze Audience Step B: Analyze Claims Step C: Decide to attack or not Step D: Select Posture

2. 2 2. Step D: Select a Posture Direct Refutation Reassertion (Bolstering) Compromise (minor repairs) Counterproposal Denial Even if...... Source Derogation Reservations Qualifiers

3. 3 3. Prepare for Refutation A. Blocking B. Probing and Questioning 1. Formal Interrogation 2. Cross X 3. Study the Flow C. Decide on Timing (Pre-empting)

4. 4 4. Communicating Your Refutation State their point State the retort Explain and support your retort Show the impact on the entire case (“SO WHAT?”)

5. 5 5. Special Techniques Dilemmas Reduce to Absurdity Residues

6. 6 6. Grocery List of Counterargument Tactics Argument is unclear Argument is insignificant Argument is irrelevant Argument is inconsistent Argument claims too much Advantage not inherent Claim does not follow Evidence is unqualified, out of date, or inaccurate Values are inappropriate Low credibility of authority or opponent

7. 7 7. What Proof is Not No Proof Argument –Retort - Is there reasonable doubt? Straw Man –Retort - Is this an accurate representation of the position? False Dilemmas –Retort - Is this an accurate representation of the alternatives? Begging the Question –Retort - What is really at issue? Evaluative Characterization –Retort - Can you prove that characterization?