The Structure of The Structure of Argument:Argument:

Key Terms Key Terms & Concepts& Concepts

ArgumentArgument DebateDebate DialogueDialogue Discourse Discourse Dialectic: Thesis, Antithesis, Dialectic: Thesis, Antithesis,

SynthesisSynthesis

““Truth” and “Establishment Truth” and “Establishment Truth”Truth”

Why Why Study Study Argument?Argument?

ClaimsClaimsFactFact

ValueValuePolicyPolicy

Claims of FactClaims of Fact Condition has existed, exists, or will Condition has existed, exists, or will

exit based on objectively verifiable exit based on objectively verifiable facts and data:facts and data:

Whenever the number of illegal Whenever the number of illegal aliens increases, the crime rate also aliens increases, the crime rate also

increases.increases.Secondhand smoke is deadly.Secondhand smoke is deadly.

Claims of ValueClaims of Value Some things are more or less desirable Some things are more or less desirable

than others. Approval or disapproval of than others. Approval or disapproval of standards of taste and morality:standards of taste and morality:

Tom Hanks is a more versatile actor thanTom Hanks is a more versatile actor thanTom Cruise.Tom Cruise.

Having sex before marriage is wrong.Having sex before marriage is wrong.Smokers do not care about themselves or Smokers do not care about themselves or

others.others.

Claims of PolicyClaims of Policy Policy SHOULD, MUST, or OUGHT be Policy SHOULD, MUST, or OUGHT be

instituted as instituted as solution to problem:solution to problem:

Both intelligent design & evolutionary Both intelligent design & evolutionary theory should be taught in public theory should be taught in public

schools.schools.

Smoking ought to be illegal in public.Smoking ought to be illegal in public.

Support Support

Evidence (logos)Evidence (logos)

Motivational Appeals Motivational Appeals (ethos & pathos)(ethos & pathos)

““Motivational” Appeals: Motivational” Appeals: ethical, emotional ethical, emotional

Pathos: Appeals to emotionsPathos: Appeals to emotions

Ethos: Appeals to values, or Ethos: Appeals to values, or appeals based on ethos of appeals based on ethos of

arguer (creditability)arguer (creditability)

Evidence / Logical Evidence / Logical AppealsAppeals

Argue from:Argue from:

1. consequences1. consequences2. comparisons2. comparisons3. authority & testimony3. authority & testimony4. examples & statistics4. examples & statistics

The WarrantThe Warrant““Assumption” or inference. Assumption” or inference.

Belief or principle taken for granted Belief or principle taken for granted (make connection between the (make connection between the

support and the claim). support and the claim). Stated or unstated.Stated or unstated.

What is the warrant?What is the warrant? You should buy a Nissan Sentra You should buy a Nissan Sentra

because it is economical.because it is economical. You should buy a Volvo because they You should buy a Volvo because they

are safe.are safe. You should buy a red Hummer.You should buy a red Hummer.

AudienceAudience Why? Why? How much do they know?How much do they know? Are they divided or agreed?Are they divided or agreed? What is their emotional What is their emotional

involvement? involvement?

Strategies for Comprehending Strategies for Comprehending ArgumentsArguments

Understand audience/context/purposeUnderstand audience/context/purpose Make your own 0utline (look at topic Make your own 0utline (look at topic

Sentences / paragraphs / use of repetition Sentences / paragraphs / use of repetition ) )

Determine CENTRAL CLAIM (major claim, Determine CENTRAL CLAIM (major claim, conclusion—thesis) conclusion—thesis)

Research allusions Research allusions Evaluate Strengths / weaknesses of Evaluate Strengths / weaknesses of

appeals appeals Describe diction / style Describe diction / style

Your Next AssignmentYour Next Assignmentfor Tuesday 2/9for Tuesday 2/9

1.1. Research the context (reason) for Richard Research the context (reason) for Richard Nixon’s “Checkers” Speech and Barack Nixon’s “Checkers” Speech and Barack Obama’s Speech on Race. Summarize at the Obama’s Speech on Race. Summarize at the top of each speech.top of each speech.

1.1. Read and study these two speeches, Read and study these two speeches, carefully marking the authors’ appeals to carefully marking the authors’ appeals to reasoning (logos), emotion (pathos), and reasoning (logos), emotion (pathos), and how they develop/establish credibility how they develop/establish credibility (ethos). Determine which appeals are (ethos). Determine which appeals are successful and which ones are not (or just successful and which ones are not (or just plain confusing!). plain confusing!).

1.1. Quiz: Use of persuasive appeals in Nixon’s Quiz: Use of persuasive appeals in Nixon’s and Obama’s speeches. and Obama’s speeches.