Seven types of argument

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Thats it! We're done!

That was a deep lesson, so let's recap the main points.

Foundations

  • An argument is a case for a particular view of the world.
  • Arguments use reasoning and evidence to reach a conclusion.
  • Argument only exists because people have doubt, uncertainty & disagreement about the world.
  • As a process, argument is about people trying to reach an agreement.

Argument types

In this lesson, we looked at 7 types of argument.

Some relate to questions or disputes about reality:

  • Factual: "What exists? What happened? What is true?"
  • Causal: "How did this happen? What will happen next?"
  • Definitional: "What is it? Who are they?"
  • Resemblance: "Is this like that?"

Others relate to values:

  • Proposal: "What should we do? How should we do it?"
  • Valuational: "What is this worth? How should we value it?"
  • Ethical: "Is it right or wrong to treat them this way?"

Additional notes

  • Each argument type tends to have a main reasoning style (e.g. cause & effect or criteria & match).
  • Real arguments tend to combine multiple argument types at different points and levels within the larger argument.
  • We can argue about specific situations or general trends.

Examine the content through the lens of argument types.

Once you start looking, you'll notice that almost all nonfiction you read or watch can be analysed using an argument types framework.

Not only will you see examples of all these argument types, but more importantly you'll find you are better able to recognise when an argument is using appropriate reasoning to reach its conclusion.

(For example, you'll more easily notice valuational arguments that don't establish any criteria, or causal predictions that don't show any chain of cause & effect.)

Look at ads through the lens of argument types.

See how many different types you can spot, and how ads often manage to incorporate several argument types, even though they are very short.

Hope you find all that useful! See you next time!

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