A Rulebook for Arguments

A Rulebook for Arguments

Anthony Weston

3.82(3052 readers)
From academic writing to personal and public discourse, the need for good arguments and better ways of arguing is greater than ever before.

This timely fifth edition of A Rulebook for Arguments  sharpens an already-classic text, adding updated examples and a new chapter on public debates that provides rules for the etiquette and ethics of sound public dialogue as well as clear and sound thinking in general.

Publisher

Hackett Publishing Company, Inc.

Publication Date

2/1/2018

ISBN

9781624666544

Pages

120

Categories

Education

Questions & Answers

According to "A Rulebook for Arguments," the fundamental principles for constructing a strong argument include:

  1. Clear Premises and Conclusion: Distinctly separate reasons (premises) from the conclusion, ensuring both are claims you want to commit to.
  2. Logical Order: Present reasons and evidence in a natural order, leading smoothly to the conclusion.
  3. Reliable Premises: Start with premises that are true and well-supported, possibly requiring research or additional arguments.
  4. Conciseness and Clarity: Use concrete, specific language and avoid abstract, vague terms.
  5. Substance Over Overtone: Provide actual reasons and evidence, not just emotional appeals.
  6. Consistent Terms: Use clear, consistent terms throughout the argument to maintain clarity.
  7. Examples and Evidence: Use relevant examples and evidence to support generalizations.
  8. Analogy: Use relevantly similar examples in analogies to support conclusions.
  9. Authority: Cite informed, impartial sources and cross-check information.
  10. Causation: Work toward the most likely explanation for correlations, considering alternative causes.
  11. Deductive Logic: Use valid deductive forms to organize arguments.
  12. Addressing Objections: Consider and address potential objections to strengthen your argument.
  13. Exploring Alternatives: Show that your proposal is better than other plausible solutions.
  14. Argumentative Essays: Outline your argument clearly, develop and defend premises, and address objections.
  15. Oral Arguments: Be present, signpost your argument, use visuals effectively, and end with a strong conclusion.
  16. Public Debates: Be respectful, listen actively, offer positive contributions, and work from common ground.

The book distinguishes between short arguments and extended arguments by their length and complexity. Short arguments are concise, typically a few sentences or a paragraph, focusing on a single point. Extended arguments, like essays or presentations, are more detailed, involving multiple premises and conclusions.

For short arguments, key strategies include:

  1. Resolving premises and conclusion clearly.
  2. Unfolding ideas in a natural order.
  3. Starting with reliable premises.
  4. Being concrete and concise.
  5. Building on substance, not just word overtones.
  6. Using consistent terms.

For extended arguments, strategies include:

  1. Exploring the issue thoroughly.
  2. Spelling out basic ideas as arguments.
  3. Defending basic premises with further arguments.
  4. Reckoning with objections and exploring alternatives.
  5. Seeking feedback and using it to refine the argument.

In "A Rulebook for Arguments," critical thinking plays a foundational role in the development and evaluation of arguments. It emphasizes the importance of constructing arguments with clear, concise, and reliable premises that logically support conclusions. The book outlines various rules and guidelines to enhance argument quality, such as distinguishing premises from conclusions, using consistent terms, and providing concrete evidence. Critical thinking also involves evaluating arguments by examining their structure, assessing the relevance and reliability of evidence, and identifying common fallacies. This process helps ensure that arguments are well-reasoned, persuasive, and grounded in evidence, fostering a more informed and rational exchange of ideas.

The book addresses common fallacies and misleading arguments by identifying them as violations of the rules for good arguments. It provides a list of classical fallacies, such as ad hominem, mere redescription, and non sequitur, explaining how each misrepresents reasoning. To avoid these pitfalls, the book recommends:

  1. Focus on the argument, not the person.
  2. Provide specific, independent reasons, not just rephrased conclusions.
  3. Ensure conclusions logically follow from evidence.
  4. Be cautious with generalizations and consider alternatives.
  5. Use clear, precise definitions and avoid persuasive definitions.
  6. Be aware of loaded language and emotional appeals.
  7. Cross-check sources and consider multiple perspectives.

Public debates are significant in argumentation as they facilitate a structured exchange of ideas, allowing participants to present, challenge, and refine arguments. They foster critical thinking, encourage open-mindedness, and can lead to better-informed conclusions. "A Rulebook for Arguments" outlines several rules and etiquette for effective public debates:

  1. Do Argument Proud: Present your arguments clearly and persuasively, focusing on evidence and logical reasoning.
  2. Listen, Learn, Leverage: Actively listen to opponents' arguments, learn from them, and use this knowledge to strengthen your own position.
  3. Offer Something Positive: Provide constructive suggestions and solutions, rather than just critiquing the opposing side.
  4. Work from Common Ground: Seek areas of agreement to build a stronger foundation for discussion.
  5. At Least Be Civil: Maintain respect and avoid ad hominem attacks or dismissive language.
  6. Leave Them Thinking When You Go: Aim to leave the audience with a positive impression and open to reconsidering their views.

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