argument

Definition:

A course of reasoning aimed at demonstrating truth or falsehood. One of the traditional modes of discourse. See also:

• Preparing an Argument
• Audience Analysis
• The Parts of a Speech
• Essay Topics: Argument & Persuasion
• Argumentation
• Persuasion
• Induction
• Deduction
• Dialectic
• Logical Proof
• Logical Fallacies
• Circular Argument
• Toulmin Model
• A Draft Argumentative Essay: Time for a New National Anthem
• A Revised Argumentative Essay: Time for an Anthem the Country Can Sing
• "The Superstition of School," by G.K. Chesterton
• "The Penalty of Death," by H.L. Mencken
• The Education of Women, by Daniel Defoe
• The Art of Controversy, by Ambrose Bierce

Etymology:

From the Latin, "to make clear"

Examples and Observations:

• "Most of the arguments to which I am party fall somewhat short of being impressive, owing to the fact that neither I nor my opponent knows what we are talking about."
  (Robert Benchley)



• "Argument, in its most basic form, can be described as a claim (the arguer's position on a controversial issue) which is supported by reasons and evidence to make the claim convincing to an audience. All of the forms of argument described below include these components.
  1. Debate, with participants on both sides trying to win.
  2. Courtroom argument, with lawyers pleading before a judge and jury.
  3. Dialectic, with people taking opposing views and finally resolving the conflict.
  4. Single-perspective argument, with one person arguing to convince a mass audience.
  5. One-on-one everyday argument, with one person trying to convince another.
  6. Academic inquiry, with one or more people examining a complicated issue.
  7. Negotiation, with two or more people working to reach consensus.
  8. Internal argument, or working to convince yourself.
  (Nancy C. Wood, Perspectives on Argument. Pearson, 2004)

Pronunciation: ARE-gyu-ment