Lesson 6: Analysing, mapping and evaluating arguments

Question 1

HOW TO ANALYSE AND MAP/DIAGRAM AN ARGUMENT

Answer 1

STEP 1: Circle any premise and conclusion indicators you see.
STEP 2: Number or label the statements consecutively.
STEP 3: Identify the premises and conclusions.
STEP 4: Arrange the premises and conclusion/s in a diagram/map, with the
premises placed above the conclusion.
STEP 5: Omit any logically irrelevant statements.
STEP 6: Add arrows to indicate the relationship between the premises and
conclusion.

Question 2

HOW TO EVALUATE AN ARGUMENT

Answer 2

we are “critically examining the plausibility of the claims
that have been made; critically considering assumptions, preconceived ideas and
faulty reasoning; weighing possible solutions; clarifying issues; making informed and
reasoned decisions; forming one’s own opinions on issues and locating issues within
a global perspective

A good argument does not mean it “agrees with my views
A good argument is not one that is persuasive
A good argument does not mean it is “well-written” or “well-spoken”

A good argument does not contain a fallacy
A good argument is deductively valid or inductively strong
A good argument tends to truth (or is sound)