argument mapping

Question 1

contention

Answer 1

an idea that somebody claims is true

Question 2

single argument

Answer 2

consists of a contention which is justified using a single premise, or undermined using a single objection/counterargument

Question 3

composite/multiple argument

Answer 3

an argument that includes more than one reason or objection

Question 4

convergent argument

Answer 4

Two premises supporting a conclusion separately and independently from one another

Question 5

chain of reasoning

Answer 5

if a contention operates as the premise for a conclusion at a higher level

Question 6

co-premises

Answer 6

When several premises together form a source of evidence for a conclusion

Question 7

Golden rule

Answer 7

Each single argument really consists of two or more co- premises (this rule assumes that you need at least a co-premise to bridge the gap between the major premise and the conclusion; the rule invites you to identify minor assumptions)

Question 8

Rabbit rule

Answer 8

Each significant term that is part of the conclusion should also be part of one of the premises
- ensures that there is a connection between the premise and the contention.

Question 9

Holding hands rule

Answer 9

If a term forms part of one of the premises but not of the contention, it should also form part
of the other premise
- ensures that a co-premise has a connection with another co-premise.

Question 10

Dispute

Answer 10

A claim to which several reasons and objections are linked

Question 11

Multilayered arguments

Answer 11

An argument in which reasons or objections have drawn out new reasons or objections

Question 12

rebuttal

Answer 12

When a reason is followed by an objection within an argument

Question 13

counterargument to a premise

Answer 13

• shows that the reason’s contention is false

- attacks the content of the premise

Question 14

counterargument to a conclusion

Answer 14

even though the contention proposed in the reason is correct, this contention does not provide enough proof to support the conclusion
- It attacks the argument (the link between the claim and the reason)

Question 15

refutation

Answer 15

If a counter argument is itself rejected within an argument

• As long as the second objection is correct, the refutation means that the first objection in the argument can be ignored
• two different types: a refutation of a premise and a refutation of a conclusion

Question 16

The pyramid rule

Answer 16

macrostructural rule: A well-structured argument has a pyramidal shape

1) the higher up the argument is placed in the argument tree, the more general and abstract it should be
2) when two arguments are placed on the same level, they should have the same level of abstraction

Question 17

The MECE rule

Answer 17

(= Mutually Exclusive, Collectively Exhaustive)
macrostructural rule: there must be no overlap or gaps in any group of reasons or objections
- Mutually Exclusive = within each group, the reasons or objections should be different from one another
- Collectively Exhaustive = all conceivable arguments that are relevant to the claim are brought to bear, leaving no gaps in the argument tree