Practical arguments

Practical arguments are a logical structure used to determine the validity or dependencies of a claim made in natural language. See argument for uses and general information.

Overview

An argument can be thought of as two or more contradicting tree structures.

The object of a discussion is often to resolve a difference of opinion. This requires common grounds from which to logically convince your opponent that your claim is better supported and that their claim is supported by false grounds and or warrants. (see Occam's razor) If one has no grounds or warrants to support ones claim, then one has no argument just a belief/claim, probably an inaccurate one.

Example 1:

  • Claim: Cats are less intelligent than dogs.
  • Ground: Cats cannot learn to do tricks as well as dogs do.
  • Warrant: The ability to learn tricks is a mark of intelligence.

Example 2:

Where: C=claim, W=warrant, G=ground, and Q=qualifier
Practical argument tree
  • C: Humans can't fly.
    • Q: In a gravity field without assistance or modification
    • W1: Because it defies the laws of Newtonian physics it can not be done.
      • Q: Fact
    • G1: It defies the laws of Newtonian physics.
      • Q: Disputable fact
    • W1.1: Because Newtonian physics applies it would defy the laws of Newtonian physics.
      • Q: Fact
    • G1.1: Newtonian physics apply to all super quantum systems including people
      • Q: Fact
    • W1.2: Because there is no print record it is highly improbable.
      • Q: Highly improbable
    • G1.2: There is no print record of any reputable person claiming such a thing.
      • Q: Fact
    • W2: Because no one has ever flown, it is highly improbable.
      • Q: Highly improbable
    • G2: No one has ever flown.
      • Q: Disputable fact
    • W2.1: Because there is no print record it is highly improbable.
      • Q: Highly improbable
    • G2.1: There is no print record of any reputable person claiming such a thing.
      • Q: Fact

See also

References

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