Argumentation

What is Argumentation?
It is a reasoned, logical way of
asserting the soundness of a
position, belief, or conclusion.
It takes a standsupported by
evidenceand urges people to
share the writers perspective
and insights.
Argumentation:
Purposes
1. To convince other people to
acceptor at least accept the
validity ofyour position
2. To defend your position, even if
others cannot be convinced to
agree
3. To question or refute a position you
believe to be misguided, untrue, or
dangerous without necessarily
offering an alternative
The subject
of Argumentation
The subject of argumentation
must be a proposition. A proposition is
an expression in words of an act of
judgment on the other hand is a mental
assertion of something as true or
untrue. A proposition is expressed in a
complete sentence, with a subject and
a predicate. It allows an acceptance
and a denial.

Classes
of
Proposition

is one that is concerned with the
truth or falsity of an act of judgment.
It aims at belief and settles the
question.
proposes whether something is or is
not, true or false. Frequently
verifiable, and often takes a more
objective approach. Draws on logical
inferences.


Examples:
Converting to solar energy can save
homeowners money.
The government is withholding
information on UFOs.
Neil Armstrong was the first man to
step foot on the moon.

Obesity causes health problems.


is the one that is concerned with the
wisdom of a course of action. It aims
at action. Whoever does the
assertion has the obligation to
establish the workable character of
his plan.
Should/should not
Advocates a specific course of
action.

Examples:
You should vote for John McCain.
You should send your children to
private schools.
Experimental treatments should
always be tested on animals before
they are tested on humans.
The City of Valparaiso Should adopt
a recycling program.
How to make an effective
argument essay?
Choose an appropriate, focused topic (ex: Airport
Security)
Explore and decide your position for this topic
Predict opposing arguments
Consider your audience and occasion
Decide on which points you will argue (ex: Safe Traveler
Card, etc.)
Decide on which points you will refute in the
concession (ex: Loss of privacy, etc.)
Write a thesis that is focused, arguable, and
opinionated (ex: If every US citizen had a Safe Traveler
Card, airlines could screen for terrorists more
effectively than they do now and avoid procedures that
single out individuals solely on the basis of race.)