Critical Reading and Argumentation: Argument Types

Study material for section 4.4.2.

Alpha Argument Types

Alpha Argument Types

[α] The lever, the connection between the non-common elements, is in this case the connection between the predicates X and Y.

Beta Argument Types

[β] The lever of such argumentation always expresses that a and b are (partly) the same.

Gamma Argument Types

[γ] The lever of such argumentation expresses an equal relationship between the subjects and the predicates, in other words. Formulation unnecessary.

Delta Argument Types

[δ] A characteristic of these argument types is that the author supports their conclusion with something external to its immediate content.

Statment of Fact as a Conclusion

[α, FF] If a conclusion with a statement of fact (F) is supported by a premise that also contains a statement of fact (F).

Argument from Cause

[α, FF] Y is the cause of X.

Argument from Effect

[α, FF] Y is the effect of X.

Argument from Sign

[α, FF] Y is a sign of X. (Deductive, non-causal)

Statement of Value as a Conclusion

[α, VF/V] Arguments in which they have a have a statement of value (V) as their conclusion, supported by a statement of fact (F) or value (V).

Argument from Criterion

[α, VF] Y is a criterion for X.

Argument from Definition

[α, VF] Y falls under the definition of X.

Argument from Standard

[α, VV] Y is a standard for X.

Statement of Policy as a Conclusion

[α, PF/V] Both argument types have a statement of policy as their conclusion, supported by either a F or V.

Argument from Principle

[α, PV] Y is a principled reason for X.

Pragmatic Argumentation

[α, PF] Y is the pragmatic reason for X.

Argument from Comparison

[β, FF] a is similar to b (regarding X)

Argument from Analogy

[β, VV] a is analogous to b (regarding X)

Argument from Parallels

[β, PV] a is equal to b (regarding X).

Argument from Opposites

[γ] a is opposite to b, and X is opposite to Y

Argument from Identicals

[γ] a means the same as b, X means the same as Y

Argument from Popularity

[δ, -F] being said by many people (Z) makes it acceptable (A)

Argument from Authority/Expert Opinion

[δ, -F] being said by an expert (Z) makes it acceptable (A)

Argument from Character

[δ, -F] Being said by the author (Z) makes it acceptable (A)

Personal Attack/Ad Hominem

[δ, -F] being said by the opponent (Z), makes it unacceptable (U)

Appeal to the Stick

[δ, -F] the fact that not accepting it has negative consequences (Z) means that it must be accepted (A)