Introduction
In this world where the Internet provides instant access to the information we seek, we need to learn how to evaluate an argument before we decide whether we should be convinced by it. In fact, we first need to know what an argument is. An argument is an intellectual process. It is not the same as contradiction. An argument is a collected series of statements to establish a definite proposition.
The Greek philosopher Zeno said, “Rhetoric is an open palm,” meaning that argument is conversation, an open-minded discussion about multifaceted issues that rarely have simple solutions. Too often we stop talking to others we disagree with, or we turn the discussion into a fight.
A good argument
- contains a valid source or is written by a reliable, credible author;
- uses neutral language rather than loaded words to create a tone of moderation, respectfulness, and good will;
- offers a body of evidence (statistics, charts, graphs, photographs, expert testimony, government documents, Web sites, etc.) that clearly and sufficiently supports the main idea and is recent enough to still be relevant; and
- acknowledges other viewpoints fairly.
The more we learn about how arguments work, the less likely we are to succumb to arguments that lack accuracy, relevancy, or development or that take evidence out of context. As we grapple with major issues of our times such as climate change, immigration policies, and health care reform, we need to put aside our political differences and make sure that we use the best sources of information. Too many people today draw conclusions from sources that are not always credible or that don’t even exist.
The activities in this lesson will help you focus on the important features of arguments, especially on the writer (or the source) and the evidence the writer provides. That way, you can more accurately decide if an argument is valid and reliable.
Be aware that parody can also be used to form an argument, as demonstrated by this fake news article from
The Onion.
Wikipedia Celebrates 750 Years of American Independence (July 26, 2006)
NEW YORK—Wikipedia, the online, reader-edited encyclopedia, honored the 750th anniversary of American Independence on July 25 with a special featured section on its main page Tuesday.
“It would have been a major oversight to ignore this portentous anniversary,” said Wikipedia founder Jimmy Wales, whose site now boasts over 4,300,000 articles in multiple languages, over one-quarter of which are in English, including 11,000 concerning popular toys of the 1980s alone. “At 750 years, the U.S. is by far the world’s oldest surviving democracy, and is certainly deserving of our recognition,” Wales said. “According to our database, that’s 212 years older than the Eiffel Tower, 347 years older than the earliest-known woolly-mammoth fossil, and a full 493 years older than the microwave oven.”
“In fact,” added Wales, “at three-quarters of a millennium, the USA has been around almost as long as technology.”
Source: Office of The Onion, New York, David Shankbone, Wikimedia Commons
This excerpt argues in an exaggerated, humorous way that Wikipedia may not be the most credible or valid source. The Onion is an American news satire organization. It is an entertainment newspaper and a Web site featuring satirical articles that report on international, national, and local “news.” It also has a non-satirical entertainment section known as The A.V. Club.