Argument?

. . .

[an] argument is a claim or series of claims supported by evidence through reasoning

reasoning refers to the ability to make an inference or a judgment based on evidence (Gunn 2017, loc. 463)

Rebutting argument

Rebuttals critique the others’ reasoning and evidence underlying their claim.

(“Evidence” maps to “backing” and “support” in Toulmin’s terms.)

You often rebut by: (1) restating claim, (2) expressing disagreement, (3) critique reasoning/evidence, and (4) conclude.

Challenging reasoning

• Fallacious/inappropriate reasoning
  • False dichotomy (“we have other options than what you present”)
  • False cause (“that correlation doesn’t imply causation”)
  • Slippery slope (“it could happen, but needn’t be probable”)
  • Selection bias (“your case ignores contrary evidence”)
  • Unwarranted assumption (“your assuming X, which is wrong”)
  • Loaded language (“that’s an inflammatory way to put it”)
  • …

Challenging evidence

• The evidence is
  • biased
  • from unreliable sources
  • insufficient to support the claim
  • actually in support of the counterclaim
  • …

e.g., Mobile phones