Analyzing Arguments Reasoning

What Is an Argument?

• writing that expresses a position on an issue or problem
• when two people yell at each other in writing
• texting in all caps to someone
• writing that tells you that you are wrong

What is a claim or proposition?

• proposing to someone in order to have them agree with you
• the author's discussion of why the opponent is incorrect
• the author's main point about an issue, often based on a premise, a general principle on which most people can agree
• the author's discussion about the negative parts

How can an author persuade the audience?

• by providing support with clear reasons and evidence
• by yelling at the audience to listen
• by making sure they already agree with the author
• by discussing only the good things

What is logical appeal?

• a message that creates strong feelings to make a point
• appeals to emotions
• a statement of factual evidence
• appeals to your sense of smell

What is emotional appeal?

• a message that creates strong feelings to make a point
• an appeal of to the sense of smell
• a statement of details and evidence
• a statement of factual evidence

Circular reasoning ...

• makes the mistake of assuming that because one thing happened after another thing, the first thing caused the second one to occur
•  is the attempt to discredit an idea by attacking the person or group behind it
• supports a statement by simply repeating it in different words
• suggests that there are only two choices available in a situation that really offers more than two options

False cause and effect ...

• makes the mistake of assuming that because one thing happened after another thing, the first thing caused the second one to occur
•  is the attempt to discredit an idea by attacking the person or group behind it
• supports a statement by simply repeating it in different words
• suggests that there are only two choices available in a situation that really offers more than two options

Hasty generalizations...

• make the mistake of assuming that because one thing happened after another thing, the first thing caused the second one to occur
• are conclusions drawn from too little evidence 
• support a statement by simply repeating it in different words
•  are the attempt to discredit an idea by attacking the person or group behind it

Either/or fallacy...

• suggests that there are only two choices available in a situation that really offers more than two options
• are conclusions drawn from too little evidence 
• supports a statement by simply repeating it in different words
• is the attempt to discredit an idea by attacking the person or group behind it

Name - calling ...

• suggests that there are only two choices available in a situation that really offers more than two options
• are conclusions drawn from too little evidence 
• supports a statement by simply repeating it in different words
• is the attempt to discredit an idea by attacking the person or group behind it