The Art of ArgumentThe Art of Argument

Clarity Clarity

ControlControl

BalanceBalance

EtymologyEtymology From the Latin “to make clear” From the Latin “to make clear”

((arguerearguere))

Shares the root, “arg-”, with the Shares the root, “arg-”, with the archaic word for “silver” (archaic word for “silver” (argentargent))

Suggestion of “refinement”, or Suggestion of “refinement”, or “purification”“purification”

Why a “pure” Why a “pure” Argument?Argument?

Audience is likely to disagree at the Audience is likely to disagree at the outset.outset.

An argument filled with impurities “feels” An argument filled with impurities “feels” wrong; the audience becomes wary.wrong; the audience becomes wary.

Similar intellectual or emotional reaction Similar intellectual or emotional reaction to physical sense of poisonto physical sense of poison

Toxic ElementsToxic Elements Abundant, unsubstantiated opinionAbundant, unsubstantiated opinion

Uncontrolled emotional appealsUncontrolled emotional appeals

InsincerityInsincerity

Narrow viewpointNarrow viewpoint

Limited KnowledgeLimited Knowledge

Effective ElementsEffective Elements Balanced presentation (both sides of an Balanced presentation (both sides of an

issue)issue)

Controlled emotion (“The faster the heart Controlled emotion (“The faster the heart races, the tighter the rein.”)races, the tighter the rein.”)

Sincerity convinces (“Truth persists Sincerity convinces (“Truth persists between the lines of a hypocritical page between the lines of a hypocritical page like checked light through a lattice.”)like checked light through a lattice.”)

Effective Elements (2)Effective Elements (2) Integrity (the stand the writer takes in Integrity (the stand the writer takes in

presenting the argument)presenting the argument) ReasonReason LogicLogic EmotionEmotion HumorHumor SatireSatire It all depends on how those elements are It all depends on how those elements are

used (integrity)used (integrity)

CAUTION!CAUTION!

The difference between The difference between argumentation and art is argumentation and art is definitive.definitive.

Creative writing is ill suited to an Creative writing is ill suited to an argument.argument.

Next:Argument As the Study of Effective Reasoning