TFY Chapter 9 Summary

1. The critical reading of arguments is an active endeavor that requires involvement, in)teraction with questions, and evaluation.
2. The questions asked in the critical reading of arguments are:
a) What Viewpoint in the source of this argument?
b) What is the issue of controversy?
c) Is it an argument or a report?
d) How is the argument structured in terms of reasons and conclusions?
e) What are arguments strengths and weakness?
3. The analysis of arguments in terms of their reasons and conclusions applies to both inductive deductive arguments. Reasons include data, evidence, and premises, while conclusions include those deductively drawn as well as hypotheses.
4. The conclusion of an argument is the last step in a reasoning process. However, it may be stated at any during an argument or not at all.
5. Reasons support conclusions. They may be generalizations that could function as conclusions in another context.
6. Arguments state and deafen a claim. Usually they also attempt to persuade. Arguments disguised as reports slant the facts and language toward a bias.
7. Reports that only relate events or state facts cannot be analyzed as through they were arguments.
8. An issue is a selected aspect of a topic of controversy upon which positions may be taken either pro or con. Issues are stated in neutral terms beginning with the word should and ending with a question.