The Core of An Argument

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The Core of An Argument
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Argument Claims with Reasons

• Rhetorical Triangle
• Logos - internal consistency and clarity, logic
  of reasons and support (logical appeal)
• Ethos - credibility of arguer, care in presenting
  alternate views, writer investment in claims,
  possibly reputation for honesty and expertise
  (ethical appeal)
• Pathos - appealing to audiences imaginative
  sympathies, making argument palpable and
  immediate

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Rhetorical Triangle
Message (LOGOS How can I make the argument
consistent and logical? How can I find the best
reasons and evidence?
Writer or Speaker (ETHOS How can I present
myself effectively? How can I enhance my
credibility and trustworthiness?
Audience (PATHOS How can I make the reader open
to my message? How can I appeal to the readers
values and interests?
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Facts
What are they?
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Facts

• What are they?
• A fact is a noncontroversial piece of data that
  is verifiable through observation or through
  appeal to communally accepted authorities.
• Facts can increase persuasiveness by having
• -Recency. Whats the latest data?
• -Representativeness. Are the supporting exampes
  typical rather than extreme or rare.
• -Sufficiency. Are there enough examples to
  justify the point. (No hasty generalization.)

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Issue Questions are the Basis of Argument

• Issue question controversial question that gives
  rise to alternative answers.
• Issue versus information questions
• -Some questions merely call for more information,
  not argument. In answering an information
  question, you assume the role of a teacher.
• -But if you must assume the role of an advocate,
  then the question is an issue question.
• -Also if the facts of the answer are
  controversial, then the question is an issue
  question.

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Genuine Argument versus Pseudo-Argument

• A genuine argument requires
• Reasonable participants who operate within the
  conventions of reasonable behavior.
• Potentially shareable assumptions that can serve
  as a starting place or foundation for the
  argument.
• Otherwise, it is a pseudo-argument
• -Fanatical believers or fanatical skeptics
• -Lack of shared assumptions

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Arguments Claims Supported by Reasons

• What is a reason?
• A reason is a claim used to support another
  claim.
• Reasons are usually linked to their claims with
  words like because, thus, since, consequently,
  and therefore to underscore their logical
  connection.
• Formulating lists of reasons for the competing
  views can break the persuasive task into more
  manageable subtasks.
• A good way to formulate an argument is to create
  a working thesis statement that summarizes your
  main reasons as because clauses attached to your
  claim. However, be aware of the opposing points
  of view.