Intro to Evaluative Arguments

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Intro to Evaluative Arguments

• Stasis Theory Part II

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Toulmin Arguments

• The Toulmin system is a way of schematizing your
  arguments. It helps you to think through the
  assumptions underlying your assertions.

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Enthymemes

• The heart of the Toulmin argument is the
  enthymeme. This is a sentence comprised of a
  claim and a reason.
  
• EX Superman is a good superhero because he is
  very strong.
  
• Claim Superman is a good superhero
• Reason because he is very strong.

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Supporting Components of Toulmin Arguments
Grounds

• An enthymeme (claims reason) is supported by
  grounds.
  
• Grounds are the evidence behind the
  generalization in the reason.
  
• In the Superman example, the reason was, because
  he is very strong. The grounds would be, he
  was able to pick up automobiles when he was a
  toddler

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Supporting Components of Toulmin Arguments
Warrant

• The warrant is the assumption that underlies your
  enthymeme. In a sense, it is the logical bridge
  between the claim the reason
  
• In the Superman example, Superman is a good
  superhero because he is very strong, the
  assumption (warrant) underlying the argument is
  that good superheroes are very strong.

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Supporting Components of Toulmin Arguments
Backing

• The backing is the explanation or justification
  of the warrant. This is a good point in your
  thinking at which to be self-critical does your
  warrant in fact make sense?
• For example, the backing behind the assumption
  (warrant) that good superheroes are very strong
  is that famous superheroes are very strong
  such as Spiderman, the Incredible Hulk, and so
  on.
• However, a critic could point out that Batman and
  Inspector Gadget are superheroes, but mainly by
  virtue of their hardware, not their strength.

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Toulmin Arguments Revision

• After having examined the backing behind the
  warrant that subsudizes my argument (enthymeme),
  it is obvious that I need to re-think my reason.
  
• At this stage, I might say that Superman is a
  good superhero because he uses his powers to help
  people. Now my grounds, backing warrant have
  changed, so I would need to examine them anew.

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X Y

• Synonymous with the terms genus species
• X is the individual case Y is the larger group
  to which X does (or does not) belong.
  
• This is applicable to both definitional and
  evaluative arguments

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X Y Continued

• The Oxford English Dictionary is the most
  authoritative dictionary in the English language
  
• X The OED Y authoritative English language
  dictionaries
  
• This pinot noir is an excellent wine
• X this pinot noir Y excellent wines

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Definitional vs Evaluative Arguments

• The X is or is not a Y format is very similar
  for both definitional and evaluative arguments
  
• The distinction is that definitional arguments
  merely claim that X is a Y evaluative arguments
  examine whether or not X is a good, efficient,
  effective, attractive or potent (to name a few
  possibilities) Y

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Definitional vs Evaluative Arguments - Criteria

• Like definitional arguments, evaluative arguments
  are focused on defining criteria for the Y
  term, and then evaluating the X according to
  those criteria.
• A 3-sentence summary of an evaluative paper
• - A good Y meets criteria A, B C
• - X meets the criteria A, B C
• - Therefore X is a good Y
• Unlike definitional arguments, evaluative
  arguments are often most controversial in their
  choice of criteria. Expect to defend your
  selections.

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Standards for Criteria

• Criteria are often established according to what
  is normal OR according to what is ideal.
  
• Some situations lend themselves to different
  kinds of criteria be self-aware about your
  selection. In formulating a mission statement,
  you want to be ideal. In suggesting drug
  treatment methods, it may be imperative to
  consider what is normal.

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Mitigating Circumstances Cost

• Be aware that, if you argue for mitigating
  circumstances in your criteria, you will have a
  harder sell. (I shot John Lennon because I
  hated my father)
• Keep in mind the issue of cost (in time, money,
  spirit, c.) the most superlative X is useless
  if it is too expensive, hard-to-use,
  time-consuming, c.

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Building Your Evaluative Argument 1) Choose
your Y

• Determine the most suitable Y category for your
  X.
  
• Choose the smallest possible Y (within reason).
• Amazon.com is the best website is less
  informative that Amazon.com is the best on-line
  bookstore.

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Building Your Evaluative Argument 2) Choosing
criteria

• Select your criteria by considering the function
  of your Y term.
  
• What is it supposed to do? Granny Smiths are
  the best baking apples Baking apples should
  stay firm when cooked and not become cloyingly
  sweet
• Arabella is the best candidate for this
  engineering internship - A good engineering
  intern should be skilled with computers and
  capable of following highly detailed directions.

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Building Your Evaluative Argument 3 4

• 3 Use the Y terms purpose to generate
  criteria
  
• 4 Sort the criteria by importance
• You may want to assemble your criteria in you
  paper in order of increasing strength of argument
  importance.

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Building Your Evaluative Argument Outline

• Introduce your issues why evaluating X is
  problematic or controversial
  
• Summarize opppsing vies
• Refute or concede to opposing views
• Present your own claim
• Criterion 1
• Criterion 2
• Criterion 3 c
• Sum up your evaluation (conclusion)

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Testing Your Evaluative Argument

• Will my audience accept my criteria?
• Are my criteria based on the smallest applicable
  class for X?
  
• Will readers acccept my weighting of the
  criteria?
  
• Do I need to defend my use of normal/ideal
  criteria?

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The End

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