Common Types of Method of Argument

definitions

author defines a term in a way that helps to justify the argument or undermine/point out a contradiction in an opponent’s argument

means/requirements

author argues that something is needed to achieve a desired result

ad hominem

author attacks an opponent’s personal credibility rather than the substance of the opponent’s argument

appeal to authority

author cites an expert or another figure as support for the conclusion

elimination of alternatives

author lists possibilities and discredits all but one

counterexample

author seeks to discredit an opponent’s argument by citing a specific case in which the opponent’s conclusion appears to be invalid

example

author cites a specific case to justify a generalization

analogy

author draws parallels between two unrelated (but purportedly similar) situations