Eight argument components

This lesson was a beast, so don't worry if you feel like you only have a rough impression of it all.

Here's a recap of the most important points:

• Every argument has eight components, though they may not all be obvious.
• The components all have logical relationships, but they can be presented in any order.
• Issue: The question to be solved. Every argument is a response to a contested issue. Issues fall into the seven argument types: factual, causal, resemblance, etc.
• Claim: Everything in an argument is in some sense a claim, but as a component, we mean the main claim, which is the answer to the question or the solution to the problem.
• Reason: A because statement that justifies the main claim.
• Core argument: Claim + reason is the smallest possible argument. Everything else hangs relates to this core.
• Evidence: Material connected through reasoning to support the claim. There are many sources of evidence. Not all evidence is true or reliable.
• Rebuttal: Since all arguments are about contested issues, all arguments can be disputed. A dispute is called a rebuttal. Any component can be the target of a rebuttal. Good arguments try to anticipate rebuttals and respond in advance.
• Limits: Arguments are generally more honest, accurate, and defensible when they have limited scope and certainty.
• Assumptions: We can't include everything in an argument. We have to build on some assumed, shared foundations of beliefs and values.
• Backing: The evidence and reasoning to support assumptions, if they were challenged.

That's it for this lesson! See you next time!