1st packet

Structuring Arguments

  • Overview of Argument Structure

    • Structure in arguments designates the organization of various components.
    • Inductive and deductive structures traditionally define arguments, often working in tandem.

  • Inductive Reasoning

    • Definition: Generalizing from specific instances.
    • Example:
    • If you get sick after eating shellfish, you might conclude you're allergic.
    • Structure: Present specific evidence, draw a general conclusion:
    • Evidence:
      • I get hives after eating crawdads.
      • My mouth swells up when I eat clams.
      • Shrimp triggers my asthma.
      • Conclusion: Shellfish makes me ill.

  • Deductive Reasoning

    • Definition: Involves applying a general principle (major premise) to a specific case (minor premise).
    • Example Structure (Syllogism):
    • Major Premise: Shellfish makes me ill.
    • Minor Premise: Lobster is a type of shellfish.
    • Conclusion: Lobster will make me ill.
    • Enthymemes: Shortened syllogisms that skip obvious terms, e.g., "I shouldn't eat the lobster on this buffet."
    • Importance in persuasion: Clear and concise arguments are more influential.

  • Arguing Beyond Induction and Deduction

    • Arguments require definitions, context explanations, assumption defenses, evidence presentation, and engagement with opposing views.

The Classical Oration

  • Introduction

    • Historical relevance: Used by ancient Greek and Roman rhetoricians for persuasive speaking.
    • Effective in framing arguments as debates with opposing win/lose positions.

  • Six Parts of Classical Oration:

    • Exordium: Gain attention, goodwill; introduce topic/problem.
    • Narratio: Present facts, context of the argument.
    • Partitio: Explain the claim, key issues, order of treatment.
    • Confirmatio: Offer logical reasoning and factual evidence supporting the claim.
    • Refutatio: Acknowledge and refute opposing claims.
    • Peroratio: Summarize case, motivate audience to act.

  • Updated Structure:

    • Introduction: Capture interest, establish credibility, state your claim.
    • Background: Provide necessary context and personal narrative.
    • Lines of Argument: Present logical/emotional support for the claim.
    • Alternative Arguments: Analyze opposing views, assess advantages/disadvantages, explain why your view prevails.
    • Conclusion: Reiterate argument, highlight implications, specify desired audience response, reinforce credibility.

Analyzing the Declaration of Independence

  • Structure Application: Contains elements of the classical oration.

  • Exordium: Explains the necessity of the document.

  • Narratio: Provides context about the British government.

  • Partitio: Identifies repeated injuries from the King.

  • Confirmatio: Lists specific abuses leading to the claim of independence.

  • Refutatio: Addresses potential counterarguments to the colonists' claims.

  • Peroratio: Concludes with the assertion of independence.

  • Effectiveness: The authors establish connections with readers, demonstrating the reasons for their argument while building tension toward their conclusion.

  • Conclusion: The argument's organization creates clarity and persuasive power, essential for effective communication.