Lesson 2: What is argument?
Oh! I know!! Pick me, pick me!! I know what an argument is!
Am argument is where two or more people get mad at each other because they disagree or do not like what the other person is saying. They scream and yell and say things attacking the other person personally. The one who yells the loudest or makes the other person cry first wins!
Right?
Am argument is where two or more people get mad at each other because they disagree or do not like what the other person is saying. They scream and yell and say things attacking the other person personally. The one who yells the loudest or makes the other person cry first wins!
Right?
Whoa!! I'm not sure I totally followed that whole video, but I can see that what I originally thought was an 'argument' isn't necessarily what is considered to be an argument in the academic sense of the word.
So, there are ways to engage in academic-type arguments, and it doesn't mean that you are 'arguing' with a person or a group of people, it just means that you are making a point and supporting it. This can be done as a speech (debate) or it can be done by writing--writing an essay.
In this unit, we will be writing an argument essay. Not right now, but soon.
Right now, we need to learn some more things about how to create an academic argument.
Ways to argue
Use facts.
That's it.
The use of facts is formally (formal, not former--as in, "Nice to meet you Mr. Logos," and NOT "The technique formerly known as...!" ) known as logos.
That's it.
The use of facts is formally (formal, not former--as in, "Nice to meet you Mr. Logos," and NOT "The technique formerly known as...!" ) known as logos.
Ways to Persuade
The art of persuasion is a bit more complicated.
However, because of our human nature, persuasion is often highly effective in both convincing us that something is a fact and convincing us that we are stating facts.
This is not always true.
Not only for your knowledge of how to write a good argument essay, but also FOR YOUR LIFE, you'll want to know how to identify false 'facts.'
Take note:
1. Anytime ANY emotion is introduced--this is the technique of pathos (connotation, for example). See the definition on slide 4.
2. Anytime ANY judgment of right/wrong is given in an argument--this is the technique of ethos. Root word: ethics. Appealing to someone's sense of right/wrong is not proper use of facts. See the definition on slide 4.
3. Other--see the drop down list on slide 6. There the lesson has listed 7 logic errors for you to be aware of.
Here is a video link that does a decent job of illustrating most of those supplied in the lesson.
However, because of our human nature, persuasion is often highly effective in both convincing us that something is a fact and convincing us that we are stating facts.
This is not always true.
Not only for your knowledge of how to write a good argument essay, but also FOR YOUR LIFE, you'll want to know how to identify false 'facts.'
Take note:
1. Anytime ANY emotion is introduced--this is the technique of pathos (connotation, for example). See the definition on slide 4.
2. Anytime ANY judgment of right/wrong is given in an argument--this is the technique of ethos. Root word: ethics. Appealing to someone's sense of right/wrong is not proper use of facts. See the definition on slide 4.
3. Other--see the drop down list on slide 6. There the lesson has listed 7 logic errors for you to be aware of.
Here is a video link that does a decent job of illustrating most of those supplied in the lesson.
Why it's important to be able to identify a good argument
Remember, only facts can be trusted, but many other techniques are HIGLY effective at convincing you of something.
As you go forward in life, be sure that you are not taken advantage of by people that use these 'false fact' techniques.
Start practicing now to learn how to identify facts vs. persuasion. If nobody has told you yet, allow me to be the first: there are FAR MORE people or groups of people that use effective persuasion techniques you will encounter everyday than people or groups of people that give facts. When in doubt, ask "What will this person/group of people get if they convince me?" If the answer is money, power or control, make sure you do your own search of facts so you can make up your own mind. Persuasion will be offered to you easily, facts/knowledge you generally have to seek on your own.
Spend time on slide 7 to practice your skills of identifying logic (facts) and flawed logic (fiction disguised as fact)
As you go forward in life, be sure that you are not taken advantage of by people that use these 'false fact' techniques.
Start practicing now to learn how to identify facts vs. persuasion. If nobody has told you yet, allow me to be the first: there are FAR MORE people or groups of people that use effective persuasion techniques you will encounter everyday than people or groups of people that give facts. When in doubt, ask "What will this person/group of people get if they convince me?" If the answer is money, power or control, make sure you do your own search of facts so you can make up your own mind. Persuasion will be offered to you easily, facts/knowledge you generally have to seek on your own.
Spend time on slide 7 to practice your skills of identifying logic (facts) and flawed logic (fiction disguised as fact)
Assessment: quiz
There is a 7 question quiz at the end of this lesson.
Be sure to know:
What is an argument?
What is persuasion?
Logical fallacies:
post hoc
slippery slope
popularity
Be able to identify argument (facts) and persuasion and give reasons why.
Ok, great job!!
Lesson 3 will focus your attention on beginning to write your essay.
You got this!!
Be sure to know:
What is an argument?
What is persuasion?
Logical fallacies:
post hoc
slippery slope
popularity
Be able to identify argument (facts) and persuasion and give reasons why.
Ok, great job!!
Lesson 3 will focus your attention on beginning to write your essay.
You got this!!