Types of Arguments

Six types of argument

According to Perilman and Albrecht, there are six common types of argument. Arguments from analogy, causal arguments, arguments of generalisation, quasi-logical arguments, co-existential arguments, and dissociative arguments.

Three tests to evaluate arguments

There are three tests that can be made to evaluate arguments according to Inch and Warnick. The first one assesses the quality of the claim. Test of quantity checks if there is enough evidence for the claims made. And test of opposition sees if there is evidence contrary to the claim made.

Arguments from analogy

This is when someone makes an argument that two things that resemble each other in known ways also resemble each other in other previously unknown ways.

Causal arguments

Causal arguments are those where we claim that one thing or event causes another.

Generalization or reasoning from example

This is the argument that suggest what is true of a certain small group of members is true of the member group as a whole.

Quasi-logical arguments

They are those that resemble the kinds of logical arguments. However, while these arguments might resemble formal logic, they may not meet its strict requirements.

Co-existential arguments

In these arguments, an observable sign indicates something that cannot be observed. For example, we might say, I haven't seen anyone go in or out of my neighbors' house for the past week. The grass has not been cut, and the mail is piling up in the letter box. Because of all this, I think my neighbors are away at the moment. So, the observable signs, no people going in the house, the growing grass, the mail, all indicates something that cannot be observed.

Dissociation

Arguments of dissociation are different from others we've looked at so far, as others were arguments of association which seek to associate ideas. Dissociation seeks to separate on idea from another idea, to which is commonly associated, and associate it with another idea or set of ideas.

SOURCE

https://www.coursera.org/learn/critical-thinking-skills/lecture/hW8OU/4-4a-types-of-argument-1

VOCABULARY

to critique an argument [kri'ti:k] - to say how good or bad a book or set of ideas is [ evaluate]

to undermine an argument

to rebut - to prove that a statement or a charge made against you is false [= refute]

to warrant ['worant] an argument - to promise that something is true

to tackle - to try to deal with a difficult problem

resemble - to look like or be similar to someone or something

strong or weak causation