Definition of Aspects of the Argumentation - Essay Example

Definition Argument The of the book has identified several aspects of the argument that they believeform the basis of effective argument. In the book, it has been argued that before engaging in any argument, it is important that the writer systematically develop that argument. The author rebukes an argument that is presented for the sake of argument. He notes that when people develop argument, then they gets to the point of appreciating that they can build their own string cases. There are three factors that the author has presented to be useful in determination of effective argument. These factors the author notes to be statistical evidence, facts as well empiricism. The author identifies several things that is believed to be critical in defining arguments. According to the author, effective argument would only be arrived at ones the writer identifies weaknesses of the arguments as well as strength. It is this weaknesses and strength s that will for support to the argument. The author reveals that there is a need for continuous reexamination of the supporting evidence of the argument so that those evidences that would not hold an argument are removed from the list and those that are critical are strengthened. An argument that is well presented affirm the authority of the writer. Definition Argument The Author has been very explicit on what is required to write a definition argument. One of the things that need to be observed while writing a definition argument is that, the argument should be such that the borderline fit or a case that is contested fits. What is normally required is that the contested case should be within a given category and that should also ensure that the case is defined as per that category. A definition argument requires what is known as Criteria-Match Structure. The authors points that; usually, it is a requirement that the criteria section of the argument explains and illustrate to the reader or the audience what the writer’s criteria is. When it comes to the match section, the author suggests that the writer’s argument should be in a position to persuade the reader that the examples the writer presents meet the existing criteria. As it is provided by the author through the example provided; “that even though the Hercules Shoe company does not pollute the environment and that the products they provide are socially useful, (CLAIM) the company is not socially responsible (BECAUSE CLAUSE) because its workers are treated unjustly. The author highlights a few points that they believe needs to be met before a company could be seen to be socially responsible. The first thing the author suggests that needs to be addressed in this category is that; there is a need to research on what definition have others regarding the term the writer has used. This definition may be drawn from many spheres including from the dictionaries, from opinion drawn from the judiciary, from the experts, who have understood the term and has deeper meaning or varied meanings that may be different from the writer’s perspectives, from testimonies and many other definitions of the statement. The second step, according to the author, the writer needs to get engaged in critical thinking that would enable them develop their own definition on the term in question. Ones this has been done successfully, the author suggests that the criteria section has been addressed. The writer therefore needs to switch to the match section. According to the author, the writer needs to reflect on the bigger question, for instance; “in what way does the Hercules Shoe Company meets the points that have been raised?” The first thing which needs to be observed at this point is that it is upon the writer to identify the examples they believe explains how the situation at hand and others would meet that particular criteria. There is also a need for the writer to give other evidences that proves that the examples they have given, indeed meets the criteria. To this end, the paper will try to highlight a few areas which the author has expressly defined as important for the definitional argument essay. First, the author suggests that the writer needs to introduce the issue in place before they state their claim. This should be followed by definition of key terms the author believes are important in the argument and should be understood by the audience. It should be remembered that such definition should in relation to the definitions which have been given by others. The author notes that after the definition, the third thing the writer needs to observe is the presentation of the first criterion and the arguments proving that the case presented meets the definition. This should then be followed by the second criterion and argument that illustrates how the case previously presented meets the criterion that set. The author notes that from this end, it is important to present a third criterion suggesting that the case the writer has presented indeed meets that criterion. This section of the third criterion has been pointed to not being very necessary. However sometimes it may be an important section in case the writer needs to advance the argument. Anticipation and response to possible objection that may arise as counter arguments should be clearly outlined by the writer in the writings. The last section of this argument should be the presentation of conclusion by returning to the “big picture”, that is what was originally at stake and why the argument presented was important in the first place. Based on the review of the author’s arguments and the analysis of the sample definition arguments that were presented in the literature, it is important to note that the definition argument is a very vital part of communication and relaying of information. It keeps both the audience and the writer on a state of critical examination of self. For the audience to get to the point of understanding the concept in question, they need to evaluate their own understanding of the matter before they can relate in to the writer’s presentation. Work cited Faigley, Lester, and Jack Selzer. Good reasons : Designing and Writing effective arguments. 2nd ed. New York: Longman, 2004. Print. Read More