Argument Mapping

Argument

A claim and reason(s) to believe that that claim is true

One conclusion

Arguments can have many claims, reasons, objections and rebuttals, but only...

Declarative Sentences must

Be clear and exact for what you are arguing.

Reasons

Evidence given to support the conclusion

Two Terms must be

Separated into 2 different boxes

Complex Argument

Several simple arguments linked together

Conclusion

The main point an argument is trying to prove, usually a belief. Also called the position, the main claim, the issue at hand.

Argument Mapping

Using boxes, lines, and colors to break up ideas visually show the connection of ideas of an argument.

Simple Argument

building block of all arguments, one claim/one reason

Holding Hands is applied

horizontally within each simple argument

Rebuttal

objection to an objection

Objection

reason that the claim is false; evidence against the claim

Co-premise

subset of a reason. Every reason has at least two co-premises, and each of these co-premises must be true for the reason to support the claim.

Rabbit Rule is applied

vertically between a claim and its reasons, and is combined with the Holding Hands Rule.