Convergent argument
According to Beasley, a convergent argument is one where two or more reasons lead to the same conclusion in an argument.
An example of a convergent argument
(1.) Mary got kicked out of her parent's place three months ago. (2.) She's staying in a friend's place temporarily, (3.) but she doesn't have any permanent accommodation. (4.) So we can classify Mary as homeless.
Statements 1 and 3 are those that support the idea that Mary is homeless, while statement 2 might suggest otherwise. Overall the balance of consideration is that Mary is homeless.
Divergent argument
In divergent arguments, one reason supports several conclusions.
An example of a divergent argument
(1.) John is currently sleeping on the streets. (2.) He requires some kind of assistance. (3.) He is also at higher risk of violent crime.
Serial arguments or argument chains
This is where the claims and evidence are linked in cause and effect chains. It is a series of connected premises that build on each other to reach a conclusion.
An example of an argument chain
If it is raining, I'll get wet. If I get wet, it'll be cold. It's raining, so I'll get cold.
Compound argument
More than one reason can be used to support more than one conclusion.
Complex argument
In authentic contexts such s a paragraph or entire essay, argument structures are combined to suit the arguer's purpose.
Precedent and antecedent
A chain argument has this name because it presents a series of implications that are connected in a series. Precedent is the first part of the premise. Antecedent is the second part of the premise. The antecedent of a premise becomes the precedent of the next premise. Thus, premises overlap and link to each other to form a chain
Hypothetical arguments
Chain arguments are also called hypothetical arguments. This is because each component of the argument is usually a hypothetical situation.
Slippery slope fallacy
While the steps in chain argument may seem superficially logical, some its statements carry assumptions that would actually need further evidence before they can be accepted.
VOCABULARY
to prove or refute an idea
to negate a premise
convergent [kənˈvɜːʤənt] argument
divergent [daɪˈvɜːʤənt] argument
compound argument - cоставной аргумент
serial [ˈsɪərɪəl] arguments
precedent [ˈprɛsɪdənt] предшествующий
Slippery slope fallacy букв. "Скользкий склон"
hypothetical argument [ˌhaɪpəʊˈθɛtɪkəl]