Writing Topic: Rules for Writers Chapter 48

Writing Topic-Rules for Writers, Chapter 48, Evaluating Arguments

Be reasonable about argumentative evaluations.  Don’t be too hasty in reactions or discussion.  Gather facts that are relevant and sufficient before coming to a conclusion. Determine the objectivity of the author and the credibility of the work. There are two parts of a source that need to be analyzed, the text itself and the argument within the text.  If looking at probable and absolute reasoning ask three questions

1.      Do I have enough evidence for a conclusion?

2.      What are the premises the author gives?

3.      Is the evidence linked to my conclusion?

Following the trail from one book or article to another can lead to better understanding of text and evidence.  Look at all evidence before confirming an opinion. When weighing alternatives it is not fair to list only the good or bad, both have to be considered.  Don’t stereotype.   A good way to come to an argumentative conclusion is to compare two things, but make sure the two comparisons are reasonable together.  If possible come up with a cause and effect theory in evaluating arguments.  These are difficult, but could lead to good information for a conclusion.  Jumping to a conclusion without evidence can be scary and end up with a lack of information for your argument.  Deducing conclusions means that a conclusion follows evidence supporting formal proof.  The three steps for this are:

1.       Major premise-A general statement

2.       Minor premise-A specific statement

3.       Conclusion-Based on two premises

An emotional appeal tries to make the reader connect the writer’s message with an important feeling for an emotional response instead of an argument relying on soundness. They are never acceptable in an argument but it can get to a reader.  It is important to summarize an argument fairly.  Some people would do anything to win the war by attacking or whatever it took to get the job done.  The straw man fallacy is wrong because this means only focusing on the weaker arguments when several are given, this misrepresents the different positions.  A way to assure fairness and accuracy in evaluating arguments is to quote others words exactly.  

I will use the above information by not jumping to conclusions without gathering the facts.  I know that I form opinions quite frequently without understanding the good and bad about the argument.