Everything An Argument

Tuesday, November 1
- Purposes of Argument
     There are different types of arguments, not all are win over others arguments
                 -Arguments are to discover some version of the truth, using evidence and reasons
                 - Persuasion is to change a point of view or to move others from conviction to action

        Arguments to Inform
              They are more obviously intended to persuade not to cause argument 
               -Arguments to inform can be also more subtle than ads or signs.
               -Their main purpose is just to inform audience members about something they didn't know.
       Arguments to Convince
              Usually written as reports that typically aim to persuade readers rather than win out over opponents
               - your not trying to conquer opponents but to satisfy readers that you had thoroughly examined the topic and that it deserves merit serious attention
               - The presence of those who might disagree is always implied.
       Arguments to Explore
             Arguments may be deeply personal, some present  and defend solutions
               -The Writers assertion that a problem exists and that the writer needs to solve it
               - May be aimed at addressing serious problems in society. 
       Arguments to Make Decisions
             Look for alternatives
                  - This is the result  of many exploratory arguments
                  - Be Sure To Examine Your Pros & Cons
      Arguments to Meditate or Pray
               In Such Cases, The writer or speaker is most often hoping to transform something in him to reach a state of equilibrium.
                  - You have to think what it argues for & how it uses quiet meditation to accomplish a goal
                  - Meditations don't have to be formal.
- Occasions for Argument
     Classifying the purposes of arguments are based on one- issues of time -- past, future, present
                  -Don't be surprised to encounter many arguments that span more than one category
                  - Consider the public occasion for arguments 
        Arguments about the past
                They rely on evidence and testimony to re-create  what can be known about events that have already occurred.
                     - they are also called forensic arguments 
                     - The point of argument is to enhance and sharpen knowledge, not just to generate heat or score points
        Arguments about the Future
               Deliberative judgments often rely on prior forensic arguments
                     -they are also called deliberative judgments
                     - they also advance by means of projections, extrapolations and reasoned guesses
        Arguments about the Present
               Often about contemporary values--the ethical premises and assumptions that are widely held within a society.
                     - Tend to be heard at public occasions
                     - Ceremonial ones can be passionate and eloquent, rich in anecdotes and examples.
- Kinds of Arguments
        Categorizing arguments in another way would be to consider their status or stasis. The system is called "Stasis Theory"
               - Did Something Happen?
               - What is its nature?
               - What is its quality?
               - What actions should be taken?
        Arguments of Fact- Did something happen?
            It usually involves a statement that can be proved or disproved with specific evidence or testimony
                         - Often quite subtle, involving layers of complexity not apparent when the question is initially posed
                  - sometimes it can be difficult to establish facts
        Arguments of Definition- What Is the Nature of the Thing?
             Often involve determining whether one known object or action belongs in a second category
                    - issues of definition  can have mighty consequences -- and decades of the debate may leave the matter unresolved
                    -Arguments Based on facts are questions of definition 
        Arguments of Evaluation- What is the Quality of the Thing?
              They naturally lead into arguments of quality-- that is, to questions about quality.
                   -They are so common that writers sometimes take them for granted, ignoring their complexity and importance in establishing peoples values and priorities.
                  - it advances by presenting criteria and then measuring individual people, ideas or things against those standards 
        Proposal Arguments- What Actions Should Be Taken?
               Writers have to first succeed in presenting a problem in such a compelling way
                    -Often begins with the presentation of research to document existing conditions
                    -Writers may spend most of their energies describing and defending a solution when a need is already obvious. 
- Audiences for Arguments
              No argument, of course, even one that engages stasis questions thoroughly, can be effective unless it speaks compellingly to others.
                    - You'll almost always be addressing an intended reader, one who exists in your own mind
                    -the editors don't use the pronouns we or us, but instead rely on everyone.
            Considering Contexts
                      You have to set the readers in  context
                           -Reading always takes place in what you might think of as a series of contexts.
                           -Thinking carefully  about the context of an argument will almost always raise questions of value.

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