argumentation yuh

Main Terms

Audience-Based Reasons: Reasons that resonate with the audience’s worldview or perspectives (may vary depending on who your audience is)

→ Ex: If the claim is “We need to build more schools”, the reasoning for businessmen and for teachers would be different 

Enthymeme: Claim with a “because” cause; claim and a stated reason taken together (premise is implied)

→ Ex: You should not jump off the roof because you will hurt your leg - the premise of hurting your leg is implied

Ethos: Appeal to credibility (why should we believe in __?)

• As an arguer, you should be knowledgable and fair and build a bridge to your audience

Logos: Appeal to logic; the strength and internal consistency of an argument and its support

Pathos: Appeals to emotions, values, and beliefs; helps the audience connect on a deeper level

• Should deepen understanding (relation to logos) rather than distract from it

Legitamate: Enhance knowledge by making an issue relatable

Illegitamate: Manipulate emotions to distract from logic

• Use concrete language, specific examples, and narratives 

• Use of images: must be clear, timely, and relevant (Kairos), and enhance the key point

Rationalization: Self-justifying explanation that makes an argument seem logical even if it might be driven by emotions or bias 

Toulmin Scheme

Claim: Central position you want to prove 

Stated Reason: Supporting claim that justifies the main claim 

Warrant: Assumption that supports the stated reason 

Grounds: Facts or evidence that justify why the reason is connected to the claim 

Backing: Additional support for the warrant if needed 

Conditions of Rebuttal: Conditions (counterarguments) under which the claim may not hold true/be disputed

Qualifier: Degree of probable truth (exceptions to the claim)

Evaluating the Persuasiveness of Data

S → Sufficiency: Is there enough evidence?

> More evidence is needed for more controversial claims or skeptical audiences

> Avoid making generalizations or quick conclusions!

T → Typicality: Is the evidence representative?

> Should not be an extreme case

A → Accuracy: Is the evidence correct and up to date?

> Current, fact-checked, and from reputable sources

R → Relevance: Is the evidence directly related to the claim?