I do believe this lecture focuses on inductive reasoning, as deductive reasoning requires proof that is already certain. The argument focused in this is on matters that are not certain, deductive reasoning is not possible in the topics covered on this.
What is Argumentation
The argument has generally received a negative connotation in today's English speaking society. Those who seek to reason, to question why things are a certain way, seem to meet with fallacy insisting they adhere to the rules of authority through either political, religious, or some other means of hierarchy. Here are some common portrayals of the negative connotations of the argument:
- A parent repeatedly telling their children not to argue.
- A competition in which one only seeks victory through conquering others.
- The argument is seen as destructive when performed by someone lower in a hierarchy.
- The argument generally leads to a conclusion that is unpleasant or quarrelsome.
- The result of an argument is observed as bitter or destructive of self-worth of a participant.
Argumentation is not such, it is simply structured reasoning.
Reason Giving - Claims are made to seek ascent in the beliefs of others in matters that are not certain.
Reasons - Justifications we give for a claim.
Claim - A claim is something we seek to justify that is not absolute and can include the following:
- Value Judgements
- Future Predictions
- Something too vast or too big to understand fully.
So argumentation is the practice of justifying claims.
Alternatives to Reason Giving - Accept claims based on whim, caprice, or authority. Typically this gives a high probability of chance, happenstance, or coersion.
To Whom is Reasoning Effective? The audience.
What is an audience? A reader, listener, or large public. Oneself can also be considered the audience.
What determines the success of an argument? The ascent of beliefs of the audience.
What is the ascent of the audience? Adherence to a claim based on reasons given. Reasons, grounds, justifications, and the links between those are accepted.
Argumentation is natural - We practice argumentation all the time. It is natural in our everyday social environments.
Why seek to learn argumentation? We seek to learn it to become more effective and to understand the underlying principles.
A thoughtful question: Is argumentation dead? Do we only seek to communicate with others who already accept our claims? What happens if this is the case?
What separates a productive argument from an unproductive one? Understanding the principles of argumentation will help determine the productivity. To understand why one challenges a widely held claim or asks questions to better understand a topic helps to be more accepting of these inquiries.
The argument is both a product (noun) and a process (verb). We
make arguments and we
have arguments.