2/11/2019 How to Build Strong Argument | Daniel Miessler
How to Build a Strong Argument
By DANIEL MIESSLER in PHILOSOPHY
CREATEDIUPDATED: OCTOBER 6, 2017
In the spirit of improving my debating skills (both written and oral) I'm setting out on a
short project to learn, re-familiarize, and remind myself to build sound arguments. Of all
the tutorials on doing this I've found, | like this one from Purdue the most, and I'll be
using it to construct this short primer that I'll probably end up converting to
a study article.
Let's start with philosophypages’ definition of an argument:
An argument is a set of two or more propositions related to each other in such a
way that all but one of them (the premises) are supposed to provide support for
the remaining one (the conclusion).
hitps.//danielmiesster com/blog/how-to-buld-a-strang-argument’ 1s2/11/2019 How to Build Strong Argument | Daniel Miessler
And then some definitions:
logic: the study of the distinction between correct and incorrect reasoning
proposition: a statement that is declared by a declarative statement that can either be true or
false. Also commonly referred to as a claim
premise: a statement whos truth is used to infer that of others. Think of this as a building
block for an argument, or a link in a chain with the last link being your conclusion
inference: the relationship that holds between the premises and the conclusion of a logical
argument, or the process of drawing a conclusion from premises that support it deductively or
inductively
conclusion: a proposition whose truth has been inferred on the basis of other propositions
assembled with it in a logical argument
The transition or movement from premises to conclusion, the logical connection
between them, is the inference upon which the argument relies."
There are two main types of argument: deductive, and inductive. | like about.com's
explanation of the two:
A deductiveargument is one in which it is impossible for the premises to be true
but the conclusion false. Thus, the conclusion follows necessarily from the
premises and inferences. In this way, it is supposed to be a definitive proof of the
truth of the claim (conclusion). Here is a classic example:
Or, in other words: the truth of the premises is supposed to guarantee the truth of the
conclusion
1. All men are mortal. (premise)
2. Socrates was a man. (premise)
3. Socrates was mortal. (conclusion)
An inductiveargument is one in which the premises are supposed to support the
conclusion in such a way that if the premises are true, it is improbable that the
conclusion would be false. Thus, the conclusion follows probably from the
premises and inferences. Here is an example:
hitps.//danielmiesster com/blog/how-to-buld-a-strang-argument’ 282/11/2019 How to Build Strong Argument | Daniel Miessler
Or in other words: the truth of the premises merely makes it probablethat the conclusion
is true.
1. Socrates was Greek. (premise)
2. Most Greeks eat fish. (premise)
3. Socrates ate fish. (conclusion)
Basic Structure
First, a definition:
An argument involves the process of establishing a claim and then proving it with
the use of logical reasoning, examples, and research.
Which gets organized like so:
= Title
« Introduction
« Thesis statement
« Body Paragraphs
= Constructing Topic Sentences
* Building Main Points
= Countering the Opposition
= Conclusion
Title
Just as with any writing, it’s important to make a first impression. For an argument that
has a form appropriate for the use of title (formal oral or written), this is the opportunity
to make that first impression.
= Puns
« Humor
= Using words or examples from the main argument to be found later
hitps.//danielmiesster com/blog/how-to-buld-a-strang-argument’2/11/2019 How to Build Strong Argument | Daniel Miessler
« Asking a question
= Avoid clichés
= Don’t be boring
Introduction
The key with the intro is to smoothly slide into your argument while appearing to
entertain—unless of course you're doing some sort of strict or formal deal, at which point
you can take the line of, “in this argument | intend to show’, etc. etc. But most
arguments don't happen in this fashion, so I'm going to cover the natural form.
Consider these as openers:
personal anecdote
anifty quote
shocking stats (the more solid the better, of course)
an image that will prompt a reaction
a question
Regardless of how you set it up, the main point is to blend naturally into your main
argument, which is defined by your thesis statement.
Your Thesis
This statement basically frames the entire argument. It's critical that you are very careful
with it, as you will be defending it for the rest of the talk, paper, debate, etc.
The thesis is what you are trying to convince the readers/listeners of. It is not a fact; it's
a proposition (also known as “declarative sentence’) that has to be proven by your
forthcoming argument.
Supporting Paragraphs
Just as you were taught in high school to do with essays, we support arguments (which
an essay basically is) by using body paragraphs. These give support to your primary
claim made in your introduction / thesis.
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The strongest support often comes from well-respected data on the topic you're
discussing, e.g. data from large, well-done studies, solid polling data (if you're
discussing opinion), etc. The key is to have the data come from a source that is least
exposed to scrutiny due to small sample sizes, faulty methodologies, or bias.
Addressing the Counterarugument
Your argument will face opposition; it's up to you to figure out exactly what shape that
resistance will take, and to adequately handle it preemptively at various points within
your supporting paragraphs
Be careful to approach these counterarguments with respect, and to form a significant
attack on your own idea when addressing the counterarguments. To stand up a weaker
version of the real counter, only to knock it down with ease, will cause many to dismiss
your entire effort outright.
Also try to avoid rude, hostile, or deprecating language when addressing counterpoints;
this tactic can easily result in the audience that you most care about (those who
disagree with you) ignoring your argument due to adverse emotional reaction.
Conclusion
The conclusion should basically restate your originial proposition (claim), and then lay
out the support you have given to it. You can slightly restate your claim, but avoid
adding any additional claims—as these too would require their own support.
References
1 [ arguments and inference | philosophypages.com]
2 [ deductive reasoning | wikipedia.org ]
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