ThinkerAnalytix

characteristics of an argument

-a form of communication -goal is persuasion -use reasons and evidence

objection

A claim that gives a reason not to believe another claim.

premise

A claim that gives a reason to believe the main claim

independent premise

A premise that gives you a separate or distinct reason to believe something. If another premise was false, this premise could still be true.

two step process

First, we test the strength of support connections by asking whether they are strong or weak. Then, we test the truth of premises by asking whether they are true or reasonable.

Support Relationships

If the premises are true, do they give a reason to believe the claim above

the reason rule

In an argument map, a premise must always give a reason to believe the claim directly above it.

main claim

The point of the argument; the main thing the speaker wants the audience to believe.

Co-Premises

Two premises that are working together to give a single reason to believe the claim above.

Sub-premise (Chain Argument)

When a piece of evidence provides a reason to believe another premise.

first step of argument evaluation

assume the premises are true and test the support relations

justification

reason to believe something is true

causation

reason why something is true