Introduction to Arguments

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Introduction to Arguments

• Scott Hale
• University of Oklahoma
• English 1213, section .005

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What an Argument is Not

• It is not a fight--it is not hostile.
• It is not a Pro/Con Debate--its not necessarily
  limited to only two positions.

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What an Argument IS

• An argument consists of two or more conflicting
  assertions (claims), and an attempt to resolve
  this conflict through reasoning.
• Explicit--Editorial, Speech, Advertisement, etc
• Implicit--Novel, Poem, Movie, etc...

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Defining Features of an Argument

• Arguments require justification for claims.
• Example Today is beautiful because it is sunny.
• But when we provide a reason for a claim, we
  create an assumption...

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Unstated Assumptions

• All arguments depend upon an assumption, one that
  is usually unstated...
• When we say, Today is beautiful because it is
  sunny, what is the assumption?
• As the reasons for a claim change, so too will
  the assumption

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Other Features of Arguments?
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Arguments are both Process and Product

• Process A conversation in which parties seek
  out the best possible solution.
• Product A persons contribution to a
  conversation about the best possible solution.
• Dr. Martin Luther Kings I Have a Dream.
  Process or Product?

8
Arguments Combine the Search for Truth and
Persuasion

• Arguments operate along a spectrum/continuum of
• Truthlt---------------------gtPersuasion
• Questions of subject matter/truth (What is the
  best solution?)
• Questions of audience/persuasion (What will most
  persuade people?)

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So, whats most important...?

• Winning the Argument?
• Discovering Truth?

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Socrates and Callicles...

• Socrates--sought the Truth.
• Callicles--refused any assumptions.
• Might makes Right, and a Truth that never wins?
• But if assumptions cant be made, what happens to
  Truth?

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Arguments and Truth Strange Bedfellows

• Is Truth universal, like for Socrates, or is it
  conditional, like for Callicles?
• Regardless, realize the role that Arguments play
  either in discovering or creating Truth.
• or in questioning, challenging and conquering
  Truth...

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Platos Allegory of the Cave

• Slaves
• Chained, Shackled, Blinders
• Fire
• Shadows

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Platos Cave
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Epistemology

• Objective--The object projects meaning onto the
  subject
• Subjective--The subject projects meaning onto the
  object
• Transactional--The intersection and combination
  of the Objective and the Subjective

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This Class...

• The creation of a new Transactive Epistemology
• Texts project meaning onto you
• You project meaning onto texts
• Your individual Transactive epistemologies then
  combine into a collective Transactive
  epistemology

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Now the top 10 reasons to join the BORG

• Bad joke...