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.

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 is unlikely”)
  • 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

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