Analyzing an Argument
If you “Analyze an Argument” you consider another person’s argument. The duty presents a short passage wherein the creator makes a case for a plan of action or interprets occasions by presenting claims and supporting proof. Your job shall be to look at the claims made and critically assess the logic of the creator’s place.
Factors for Assessment
You’ll analyze the logic of the creator’s case by evaluating each the usage of proof and the logical connections. In studying the creator’s argument, contemplate the next:
· what proof is given?
· what conclusions are made?
· what assumptions (doubtless not acknowledged) are made?
· what ramifications (maybe not acknowledged) would essentially observe from the creator’s argument?
Additionally consider the reasoning and construction of the argument. Search for transition phrases and phrases to indicate the creator’s logical connections (e.g., nonetheless, thus, subsequently, evidently, therefore, in conclusion ). Then consider the next:
· what leaps are being constituted of one level of logic to a different?
· are traditional logical flaws evident? *
* You’ll not want to deal with traditional logical flaws by their Latin names, however it’s best to be capable to acknowledge and refute frequent logical errors. A evaluate of frequent logical flaws shall be useful in preparation for analyzing arguments.
Key Ideas
Though you do not want to know particular analytical methods and terminology, you need to be conversant in the instructions for the Argument process and with sure key ideas, together with the next:
· argument — a declare or a set of claims with causes and proof provided as Help; a line of reasoning meant to reveal the reality or falsehood of one thing
· assumption — a perception, typically unspoken or unexamined, that somebody should maintain as a way to keep a selected place; one thing that’s taken without any consideration however that have to be true to ensure that the conclusion to be true
· various rationalization — a competing model of what might need induced the occasions in Question Assignment that undercuts or qualifies the unique rationalization as a result of it can also account for the noticed details
· counterexample — an instance, actual or hypothetical, that refutes or disproves an announcement within the argument
· Assessment — the method of breaking one thing (e.g., an argument) down into its part components as a way to perceive how they work collectively to make up the entire
· analysis — an Assessment of the standard of proof and causes in an argument and of the general advantage of an argument
· conclusion — the top level reached by a line of reasoning, legitimate if the reasoning is sound; the ensuing assertion
What To not Tackle in Your Response
An necessary a part of performing effectively on the Argument process is remembering what you aren’t being requested to do:
· You aren’t being requested to debate whether or not the statements within the argument are true or correct.
· You aren’t being requested to agree or disagree with the place acknowledged.
· You aren’t being requested to precise your personal views on the topic being mentioned (as you had been within the Situation process).
Steps for Analyzing the Argument:
1) Learn the argument and directions rigorously.
2) Establish the argument’s claims, conclusions and underlying assumptions. Consider their high quality.
three) Consider as many various explanations and counterexamples as you possibly can.
four) Consider what particular further proof would possibly weaken or lend Help to the claims.
5) Ask your self what modifications within the argument would make the reasoning extra sound.
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You might be being assessed in your potential to guage the logic of one other author’s argument. That is your alternative to reveal your vital considering abilities, analytical talents, and the readability with which you current your concepts.
Suggestions for Analyzing an Argument, retrieved from brainfuse.com
