Argumentative Terms (Definition)

Argumentation

Exploration of a problem by investigating all sides of it.

Cause and effect

Examination of the causes and/or effects of a situation or phenomenon.

Concession

An acknowledgement that an opposing argument may be true or reasonable.

Damning with faint praise

Intentional use of a positive statement that has a negative implication.

Hasty generalization

A fallacy of argument in which an inference is drawn from insufficient data.

Logical fallacy

Potential vulnerabilities or weaknesses in an argument.

Non sequitur

A statement that does not follow logically from what preceded it.

Red herring

A fallacy of argument in which a writer abruptly changes the topic in order to distract readers from potentially objectionable claims.

Satire

Use of ridicule, sarcasm, irony, etc. to expose vices, abuses, etc.

Refutation

A denial of the validity of an opposing argument.