argument mapping Flashcards
contention
an idea that somebody claims is true
single argument
consists of a contention which is justified using a single premise, or undermined using a single objection/counterargument
composite/multiple argument
an argument that includes more than one reason or objection
convergent argument
Two premises supporting a conclusion separately and independently from one another
chain of reasoning
if a contention operates as the premise for a conclusion at a higher level
co-premises
When several premises together form a source of evidence for a conclusion
Golden rule
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)
Rabbit rule
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.
Holding hands rule
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.
Dispute
A claim to which several reasons and objections are linked
Multilayered arguments
An argument in which reasons or objections have drawn out new reasons or objections
rebuttal
When a reason is followed by an objection within an argument
counterargument to a premise
- shows that the reason’s contention is false
- attacks the content of the premise
counterargument to a conclusion
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)
refutation
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
The pyramid rule
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
The MECE rule
(= 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
