2.6.9.2: Components of an Argument
Components of an Argument
Note:
Activity: Labeled Components
Example: Argument as a Dialog
Jerald:
Where should we have my parents take us for dinner when they’re here on Sunday?
[He asks the question about something that’s unsettled.]
Cathy:
We should go to The Cascades!
[She makes her main claim to answer the question.]
It’s the nicest place around.
[Another claim, which functions as a reason for the main claim.]
Jerald:
How so?
[He asks for a reason to believe her claims.]
Cathy:
White table cloths.
[She gives a reason.]
Jerald:
What’s that have to do with how good the food is?
[He doesn’t see how her reason is relevant to the claim.]
Cathy:
Table cloths make restaurants seem upscale.
[She relates her reason for the claims.]
And I’ve read a survey in Columbus Metro that says the Cascades is one of the most popular restaurants in town.
[She offers evidence.]
Jerald:
I never read the Metro. And Dino’s has table cloths.
[He offers a point that contradicts her reason.]
Cathy:
I know, but those are checkered! I’m talking about heavy white ones.
[She acknowledges his point and responds to it.]
Jerald:
My dad loves Italian food. I guess he’s kind of a checkered-table-cloth kind of guy?
[He raises another reservation or objection.]
Cathy:
Yeah, but? Well, I know The Cascades has some Italian things on the menu. I mean, it’s not known for its Italian food but you can order it there. Given how nice the place is, it will probably be gourmet Italian food.
[She acknowledges his point and responds to it. There’s another claim in there.]
Jerald:
Ha! My dad, the gourmet? Hey, maybe this place is too expensive.
[He raises another reservation.]
Cathy:
More than someplace like Dino’s.
[She concedes his point.]
Jerald:
Yeah.
[He agrees.]
Cathy:
But everybody eats at The Cascades with their parents while they’re students here, so it can’t be outlandishly expensive.
[She now puts limits on how much she’s conceding.]