Elements of an Argument

Conclusion

A summary based on evidence or facts based around claims and reasons

Reasons

a statement presented in justification or explanation of a belief or action

Intermediate Conclusion

A statement in an argument that serves first as a conclusion and then as a reason for some additional conclusion

Assumption

a thing that is accepted as true or as certain to happen, without proof, used to help make arguments work successfully

Counter argument

an argument or set of reasons put forward to oppose an idea or theory developed in another argument.

Indicators Words

words used to established logical relationships between two claims

Logical fallacy

An error in reasoning that renders an argument invalid

ad hominem

a fallacy that attacks the person rather than dealing with the real issue in dispute

Appeal to Authority

A fallacy in which a speaker or writer seeks to persuade not by giving evidence but by appealing to the respect people have for a famous person or institution.

Appeal to history

A form of argument that supports a prediction about the future with a reference to the past.

Appeal to Popularity

Arguing that a claim must be true merely because a substantial number of people believe it.

Circularity

a weak attempt to prove something by referencing to the start of the argument meaning no real proof is given

Confusing necessary and sufficient conditions

Arguing that what is necessary must be sufficient, or arguing that what is sufficient must be necessary.

Correlation not causation

Just because two things happen doesn't mean they are the cause of each other

Inconsistency

state of being self-contradictory; lack of uniformity or steadiness

Generalization

A conclusion drawn from specific information that is used to make a broad statement about a topic or person

False Dilemma

occurs when it is suggested that only two alternatives exist even though there may be others (all or nothing)

Slippery Slope

a fallacy which assumes that taking a first step will lead to subsequent steps that cannot be prevented

Straw man

When a writer argues against a claim that nobody actually holds or is universally considered weak.

Tu Quoque

Avoiding having to engage with criticism by turning it back on the accuser - answering criticism with criticism.

Weak Analogy

Claiming that items with only minor similarities are the same in almost everything else.