Standardizing an argument
identifying premises and conclusions of the argument.
form a passage in a format that the premises are arranged in logical order with sub-arguments and conclusion at end.
- gives us a clear view of what the arguer has said.
sub-arguments
smaller argument within a larger one.
whole arguments
the entire thing. premises, sub arguments and conclusions all in order.
main conclusion
main claim that the arguer is trying to prove.
divergent pattern
single premise supports two conclusions.
1
/ \
2 3
linear structure
a sequence of sub arguments.(1) supports (2), (2) supports (3), (3) supports…. and so on.
linked support
premises are attached together to state the conclusion. if one is removed, it would affect the strength and support of the conclusion.
1 + 2
|
3
convergent support
In convergent arguments.
Separate premises that support the conclusion. If one premise is removed, it would not affect the conclusion. (but affects the strength since more support is better) not linked.
General Strategies for standardizing arguments (10)
- read passage several times
- Does it actually contain an argument?
- identify conclusion, premises and sub arguments. (indicator words should help)
- omit material that’s side comments, background information etc.
- Omit material you’ve already included which is stated twice in the argument. (there’s exceptions tho)
- omit personal phrases. ex: “in my opinion that..”
- write in standard form.
- the standard form must be complete statements. not questions or commands or exclamations. not include pronouns like they, my, it, that and this.
- make sure each premise doesn’t express it’s own argument. (break up sentence if necessary)
- check standardized version against argument to see if you left anything out. or included anything that should not be included.
