1 The Problem of Truth Successful Argumentation: (Truth versus - - PDF document

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Argument

Not a “fight” or a “debate”

The connotation that an argument is a heated disagreement does not apply here We are not concerned with formal pro-con debates where one position or another is argued.

An argument can be explicit or implicit

Explicit—direct argument with claims and supporting reasoning and evidence. Implicit—visual image, cartoon, narrative, poem, etc.

Argument

Explicit Argument

An argument makes claims that require justification

• ften in form of a dialogue involving claims and

counterclaims

Explicit or implicit, argument has some necessary components

set of two or more conflicting assertions attempt to resolve the conflict through and appeal to reason (usually backed by evidence).

Explicit Argument (cont’d)

Argument is both a product and a process

Process—argumentation is a process, often involving a conversation or dialogue. Product—the product of an argument is a summing up of the contributions or the conclusion

Explicit Argument (cont’d)

Argument is a balance between truth seeking and persuasion

Truth-seeking—the best solution; an optimal solution Persuasion—what reasons and evidence that best speak to audience’s values and views

The Problem of Truth (Truth versus Persuasion)

What’s the balance? (Too much tilt towards persuasion makes argument propaganda) May have to sacrifice winning a debate in terms

• f higher goals, Truth and Goodness

Socrates versus the Sophists (Athens, 5th century B.C.)

Socrates—the goal of debate is to rid the world of error Sophists—Mercenary debaters who relied on any persuasive technique to win. There are no basic assumptions, no fundamental principles, no truths

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The Problem of Truth (Truth versus Persuasion) (cont ’d)

But is it better to sometimes win a debate, even if have to lean more towards persuasion than truth-seeking? And what is truth anyway? Could arguers begin from different basic principles and thus different versions of truth? What is “good” or the “best solution”? That can depend on your starting premises.

Successful Argumentation: The Well-Functioning Committee

Committee: A small group seeking the solution to a problem

Committees sometimes get a bad name, but good committees have done some very important work in social, political, and cultural settings Exercise: University Standards Committee (p. 17 in WA book)

“The idea that we should be open to all ideas is very different from the supposition that all ideas are equally valid”

• -Lawrence Summers, President, Harvard University

Reading Sympathetically and Critically

To read arguments effectively, adopt a multi- step approach

Read as a believer Read as a doubter Consider alternative views, and analyze sources of disagreement Use disagreement productively to prompt further investigation

Reading as a Believer

Practice “empathic listening” (see the world through the author’s eyes) Requires putting aside your own viewpoint for the moment For this AND the other steps in reading arguments effectively, you must:

read argument carefully for general meaning. analyze each paragraph for says and does

A does statement identifies a paragraph’s function A says statement summarizes the paragraph’s content

Reading as a Doubter

Whether you tend to agree with the argument or not, you should now read it critically or skeptically Demand more proof, doubt evidence given, challenge the author’s assumptions and values.

What is the background of the author or his or her sources? What bias is being brought forward? What are the source of the claims made? Are alternatives ignored?

Considering Alternative View s and Analyzing Sources of Disagreement Since an argument involves two or more conflicting assertions, you must be sure to consider the important disagreements. Disagreements may be:

• about facts or reality. “Facts” are often not the

empirical facts of science, but are often contested.

• about values, beliefs, or assumptions. For example,

sometimes these disagreements may manifest themselves as disagreements about definitions (e.g., what is pornography or what is a minority).

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Using Disagreement Productively to Prompt Further Investigation

Disagreement is both a strategy for reading arguments and a bridge towards constructing your own arguments

Seek out sources of facts and more complete versions of alternative (and the current) views. Determine what values are at stake in the issue and articulate your own values. Consider ways to synthesize alternative views.