ARGUMENT

Based on Chapter 9: Mayfield, M. (2007) Thinking for Yourself. Developing Critical Thinking Skills Through Reading and Writing. 7th Ed., Thomson Wadsworth: Boston MA.

Critical reading of arguments: It has to be read objectively Criticism of arguments begin with 5 questions: 1. What is the source; what is the viewpoint? 2. What is the controversy or issue? 3. Is it a proper argument (or a report)? 4. Is the argument structured: reasons & conclusions? 5. What are the strengths & weaknesses of the argument?

1. The source

Arguments represent the .. of a viewpoint: Bias Interest(s) Objectives

2. The issue of controversy

Argument: reasons to support a conclusion with

intent to persuade Issue: a problem of public concern that is subject to dispute or debate Debate question: a question that states an issue; providing a focus for pro and con positions on the issue at stake

3. Is it a Report?
Purpose of a Report is to inform in a manner that wins trust in the reliability of the information
Data presented & explained
Support provided to confirm accuracy of data Offers hypotheses for interpreting the data Summary of findings presented

3. Is it an Argument?
Purpose of an Argument is to persuade others to agree with an idea
Assertion of a thesis or conclusion
Reasons given to support this conclusion are offered.

Material that supports the conclusion is emphasized. Clearly committed bias Summary argues for agreement with own conclusion

4. Is the Argument structured? (Reasons & Conclusions provided)

Conclusion: a clear statement of what an argument intends to prove. This statement serves as the arguments thesis, final opinion, or judgement. It clearly shows the authors position on an issue.
Reason: Statements offered to explain, justify, or support the conclusion of an argument. Reasons can take the form of statements, facts, statistics, evidence, or reasoning. Any number of reasons can be offered to support one conclusion.

4. Identifying the conclusion

Inductive Last week I enjoyed to be creative Yesterday I enjoyed my creative outputs I am always enjoying myself when I am creative Conclusion: Creativity causes me to enjoy myself Deductive Creativity makes me enjoy myself I am creative now Conclusion: I am enjoying myself now

4. Identifying the reason

Reasons are statements of offered to explain, justify or support conclusions: Opinion Propositions Premises Evidence

4. Indicator words CONCLUSIONS & REASONS

Conclusion: therefore; so; in fact; the truth of the matter is; in short; it follows that; shows that; indicates that; suggest that; proves that; we may deduce that; points to the conclusion that; in my opinion; and the most obvious explanation is Reason: because; firstsecond; since; for; for one thing; in view of the fact that; for the reason that; is supported by; for example; also

5. Strengths & Weaknesses of Arguments

6 questions that summarize these standards: 1. Are the reasons adequate to support the conclusion? 2. Are there any hidden assumptions in the argument? 3. Are any central words ambiguous or slanted to incite prejudice? 4. Are there any fallacies in the reasoning? 5. Is any important information omitted? 6. Is any information false, contradictory or irreconcilable?