Claims & Reasoning
an argumentative statement that asserts something is true or false and can be objectively verified or disproven through evidence and data.
claim of fact
an argument or viewpoint that opposes the main claim. It is used to anticipate and address objections and to strengthen the overall argument.
counterargument
presents a situation as if there are only two possible options or outcomes when, in reality, there may be more possibilities. This oversimplification can be used to manipulate or limit choices in an argument.
false dilemma (either/or)
an argument draws an inappropriate or inaccurate comparison between two things. The analogy breaks down when the two situations are not sufficiently similar.
Faulty Analogy
someone assumes that because one event follows another, the first event caused the second. It overlooks the possibility of coincidence or other factors.
Cause/Effect (post hoc ergo propter hoc)
involves making a generalization or forming a hypothesis based on a set of specific observations or evidence. It does not guarantee a true conclusion but rather suggests a likely or probable one.
inductive reasoning
seeks to find common ground and establish rapport between the speaker and the audience. It is characterized by a focus on understanding and respecting opposing viewpoints before presenting one's own perspective. This approach aims to create a cooperative and non-confrontational atmosphere for effective communication IS WHAT TYPE OF ARGUMENT?
Rogerian
suggests that something is true or good because it is popular or widely accepted. It exploits the desire to conform to social norms.
ad populum (bandwagon)
someone relies on the opinions or endorsements of individuals who lack expertise or credibility in a particular subject to support their argument.
appeal to false authority
a general conclusion is drawn from limited or insufficient evidence. It involves making broad claims based on a small or unrepresentative sample.
hasty generalization
an argumentative statement that expresses a judgment or opinion about the worth, significance, or morality of something.
claim of value
consists of an introduction (exordium), a narration of the issue (narration), a presentation of arguments and evidence (confirmation), a consideration of opposing viewpoints (refutation), and a conclusion (peroration). This approach is designed to persuade an audience by presenting a clear and logical argument IS WHAT TYPE OF ARGUMENT?
classical
an argument attacks the character, personality, or attributes of a person making the argument rather than addressing the argument itself.
ad hominem (name-calling)
the conclusion does not logically follow from the premises presented. It represents a disconnect in reasoning.
Non sequitur
a diversionary tactic used in an argument to distract the audience from the main issue by introducing unrelated or irrelevant information or arguments.
red herring
a logical method in which a specific conclusion is drawn from a general principle or premise. It begins with a broad statement or hypothesis and then uses specific evidence to arrive at a specific, logical conclusion.
deductive
claim (the main argument), grounds (evidence or support for the claim), warrant (the reasoning connecting the grounds to the claim), backing (additional support or justification), qualifier (conditions or limitations on the claim), and rebuttal (addressing counterarguments or objections) IS WHAT TYPE OF ARGUMENT STRUCTURE?
Toulmin
an argument misrepresents or exaggerates an opponent's position to make it easier to attack. It constructs a weaker version of the opposing argument and then refutes that version.
strawman
the conclusion of an argument is restated in slightly different terms as one of the premises. It provides no new information and is uninformative.
circular reasoning
claims one event will inevitably lead to a chain of negative consequences without sufficient evidence. It exaggerates the potential consequences of an action.
slippery slope
an argumentative statement that proposes a course of action, advocating for specific changes or solutions to a problem.
claim of policy
In classical argument, what is the name of the major part of a case in which arguments and evidence are developed?
confirmation
a term or phrase is used in an argument with more than one meaning, and the meaning is switched during the course of the argument. Essentially, it involves a shift in the meaning of a key term or concept in a way that makes the argument misleading.
equivocation
"I met one rude person from that city; therefore, everyone from that city must be rude."
hasty generalization
"The book is true because it says so, and we know it's true because it's in the book."
circular reasoning