Structure of Arguments
(Note — Often there are hidden premises and these may be crucial)
1. Simple
- Premise A leads to conclusion B
2. Convergent
- Premise A and premise B independently lead to conclusion C
- This is the strongest type of argument because you must disprove all of the premises to defeat it
3. Linked
- Premise A and premise B combined lead to conclusion C
- if you disprove either then the conclusion falls
- a hidden premise is often part of an attached argument, so look for it
- e.g. policy debate, show problem, then show plan which improves situation. You can defeat this argument either by showing that there isn't a problem or by showing that the plan won't solve it
- e.g.. show fundamental value is good AND this resolution supports this value; refute either and the argument falls.
4. Divergent
- Premise A leads to both conclusion B and conclusion C
- Useful for argument by acceptance, e.g. if what they want to prove is B but you can show that C , which follows from A as logically as B does, is either impossible or so undesirable as to outweigh B
5, Serial
- Argument in parts — can be useful if the reasoning is lengthy to break it down into smaller parts; after you prove each part, the conclusion is proven
- Only as strong as its weakest link
- To prove D, show that A proves B. B proves C, C proves D