Argumentation and Persuasion Terminology_COMPLETE

Argument

An appeal only to logic, relying solely on facts, data, statistics, etc.

Persuasion

An appeal to logic, emotions, and ethics, which may involve manipulation.

Reasoning

The use of logic to form a conclusion; essentially good sense.

Logic

The study of correct reasoning.

Toulmin Model

A system for back mapping an argument to identify gaps, particularly in concession and refutation.

Rogerian Model

This model seeks a middle ground, allowing both sides to find common ground.

Deductive reasoning

A logical process where if A is true and B is true, then C must be true.

Syllogism

A form of deductive reasoning: A + B = C, where A is a broad statement, B is a narrow statement, and C is the conclusion.

Premise

A statement of fact.

Major Premise

A broad statement of fact.

Minor Premise

A more narrow version of a major premise.

Conclusion

The logical result of a major and a minor premise being valid.

Inductive reasoning

Starts with a question or hypothesis, considers factual evidence, and leads to a conclusion.

Inductive leap

The movement from evidence to conclusion in inductive reasoning.

Claim

An assertion that someone is trying to prove.

Grounds

The proof or evidence offered in support of a claim.

Warrant

The unspoken connection between the claim and the evidence.

Logical fallacy

An error in reasoning that misrepresents logic.

Ad hominem

A fallacy where the person is attacked rather than their argument.

Hasty Generalization

Making a conclusion based on insufficient evidence from a small sample size.

False Dilemma

Presenting only two options as the consequences of a choice.

Equivocation

Changing the meaning of a word during an argument.

Red Herring

Switching the focus away from the original argument.

Tu quoque

Discrediting an opponent's argument based on hypocrisy.

Misleading Statistics

Using a statistic in isolation to misrepresent an argument.

False Cause

Assigning credit or blame to an event based solely on its timing.

Non Sequitur

A conclusion that does not follow from its premises.

Straw Man

Misrepresenting an opponent's position to attack it more easily.

Slippery Slope

Exaggerating the potential consequences of an event.

Ethos

An appeal to ethics or morality in persuasion.

Pathos

An appeal to emotions in persuasion.

Logos

An appeal to logic and reasoning.

Valid

When premises lead to a specific and logical conclusion.

Sound

A syllogism that is true and valid.

Invalid/Unsound

Refers to syllogisms that have flawed premises or are untrue.

Counterargument

The audience's opposing argument against the writer or speaker's claim.

Refutation/Rebuttal

The writer/speaker's response to a counterargument.

Call to action

A directive in persuasive writing for the audience to think or act differently.

Evidence Sufficiency

Having enough evidence to support the claim.

Evidence Relevance

Evidence that directly relates to the reasons supporting the claim.

Evidence Quality

Evidence derived from reputable sources.

Evidence Variety

Using various types of evidence, not just personal experiences.

Anecdotes

Short, personal stories used as evidence to support a claim.

Statistics

Quantitative data collected in a scientific way.

Proposition

The thesis in classical argumentation.

Substantiation and Proof

The use of persuasive appeals and evidence in arguments.

Concession

Admitting that an opponent has a valid argument.

Exigence

The motivation or spark that prompts the writer to create a piece.