Argument definition in Writing and Reading

Argument is not a fight or a quarrel.

Argument requires (1) justification of its claims, (2) it is both a product and a process, (3) and it combines elements of truth seeking and persuasion.

Argument is not Pro-Con debate.

Argument can be explicit or implicit.

Explicit argument states directly a controversial claim and support it with reasons and evidence.

Implicit argument doesn't look like an argument. It may be a poem or short story, a photograph or cartoon, a personal essay or an autobiography.

A set of two or more conflicting assertions (quarrel) + the attempt to resolve the conflict through an appeal to (reason) is an Argument.

For the argument to be effective an arguer is obligated to clarify and support the reasons presented.

*She must anticipate the sorts of questions the assumption will raise in the minds of her parents.

"I should be allowed to stay out until two on a trial basis (initial demand) because I need enough space to demostrate my maturity and show you I won't get into trouble (It is what the parents value)."

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process = two or more parties seek the best solution to a question or problem.

product = a person's contribution to the conversation at a given moment.

eg: The written argument enters a conversation.

a product a process

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Question yourself: "What is the best solution to this problem?" "What do my readers already believe or value?" "What reasons and evidence will mot persuade them?"

Truth-seeking is taking responsibility for determining the "best answer" or "best solution" to the question for the good of the whole community when taking into consideration the interest of all stakeholder.

Truth-seeking also means that you can't use argument to "prove" your claim, but only to make a reasonable case for your claim.

Truth-seeking is delaying closure on an issue, acknowledging the pressure of alternative views, and being willing to change one's mind.

Learning to argu effectively has the deepest sort of social values.

Conclusion:

Throughout the process of argument you seek out a wide range of views, that you especially welcome views different from your own, that you treat these views recpectfully and that you see them as intelligent and rationally defensible. (Hence you must look at the reasons and evidence on which they are based).