Arguments of Fact vs. Arguments of Definition 8 hours
April _858
Chapter9powerpoint.pptArguments of Defintion
Chapter 9
Arguments of Definition
- These arguments are particularly powerful in that they help determine what something or someone is. Thus, they can result in inclusion or exclusion.
- They help us recognize that classifications change over time and are the result of cultural, social, and political forces.
- Definitions often serve group agendas while ignoring or attempting to silence others.
- Often evolve from daily life.
Arguments of Definition
- We rely on definition for successful, efficient communication.
- As you have experienced with the Fact Paper, our ability to make an argument is limited when we cannot appeal to values.
- Contrary to the belief that values diminish the validity of an argument by rendering it mere opinion, values are a necessary part of the argument.
- Indeed, they are the very heart of an argument.
- Thus, evaluative terms are notoriously difficult to define.
Formal Definitions
(pp.200-201)
- Questions related to genus:
- Is assisting in suicide a crime?
- Is NASCAR a sport?
- Is rap poetry?
- What is an X [insert your own choice here]
- Questions related to species:
- Is marijuana a relatively harmless drug or a dangerous, addictive one?
- Is Saudi Arabia an ally or an opponent of the USA?
- Is TV’s “Survivor” a reality show or a game show?
- Is X a Y or a Z [Insert your own topic}
- Questions related to conditions:
- Should a woman be held to the same physical requirements as a man in order to join the military?
- Should everyone pay the same percentage of their income taxes regardless of their income?
- Are high scores on the SAT’s a fair condition for entrance into universities?
- Must X occur in order for Y? [Insert your topic]
- Questions related to the fulfillment of conditions:
- Should academic scholarships count as taxable income?
- Should nontraditional educated experiences, such as semesters abroad and internships, count for college credit?
- Should X be counted as Y for the purposes of Z? [Insert your topic]
In summary, keep in mind that you can approach an argument of definition by:
- Formulating a definition (What is X?): “Terrorism is any non-wartime act of violence undertaken for political gain.”
- Negative definition (Y is not X.): “Violence undertaken as part of a revolt against an oppressive regime is not terrorism.”
- Definition by Example (Y is/is not X): “The Irish Republican Army is/is not a terrorist organization.”
Other items to consider:
- Who is your specific audience?
- What are the counter-arguments to your proposed definition?
- In other words, anticipate oppositional stances.
- How would you refute those stances?
- Do not forget about visuals and design of arguments of definition.
- Matching claims to definitions is critical.
