nking map

Skilful analysis and evaluation of arguments

Analysis
1

What is/are the main conclusion(s)? (These may be

stated or unstated and may be recommendations,
explanations, and so on. Conclusion indicator words and
the 'therefore' test may help.)

What are the reasons (data, evidence) and their

structure?

3
4

What is assumed (perhaps in the context)?

Clarify the meaning of terms and claims that

1^

are unclear

1:1

Judging inferences skilfully

Evaluation
3
5

Are the reasons acceptable? (These include explicit

reasons and unstated assumptions and this may involve

(a)

Does the reasoning support its conclusion(s)?

(Is the support strong, for example 'beyond reasonabi
doubt', or weak?)

(b) Are there other relevant considerations/arguments

(a)

Does the reasoning support its conclusion(s)?

(b) Are there other relevant considerations/arguments

evaluating factual claims, definitions and value judgements

and j u d g i n g t h e credibility of a source.)

Does the reasoning include some important assumptions?

which strengthen or weaken the case?

7

What is your overall judgement?

Are the reasons acceptable and are the inferences
deductively valid?
Is the case proved beyond reasonable doubt?

which strengthen or weaken the case? (You may

Is the case shown to be more likely than not on the

already know these or may have to construct them.)

balance of probabilities?

What is your overall evaluation (in the light of 1 through 6)?

Is the argument reasonable?

Thinking map
Clarifying ideas skilfully
1

What is the problem? (Is it vagueness, ambiguity, a need

for examples, or something else?)

W h o is the audience? (What background knowledge and

beliefs can they be assumed t o have?)

Given the audience, what will provide sufficient

clarification for present purposes?

Possible sources of clarification:

(a)

What makes this decision necessary? (Objectives?)

[2

W h a t is recommended and on what grounds?]

(reporting specialised usage),

W h a t are the options/alternatives? (Realistic or unusual?)

deciding on a meaning; stipulating a meaning.

What are the possible consequences of the various

a dictionary definition (reporting normal usage),

(b) a definition/explanation f r o m an authority in the field

(c)

Handling decisions/recommendations skilfully

options - and how likely are they? (On the basis of what
5

Ways of clarifying terms and ideas:

(a)

giving a synonymous expression - or paraphrase,

(b) giving necessary and sufficient conditions (or an 'if

evidence and h o w reliable is it?)

5

and only i f definition),

(c) giving clear examples (and non-examples),

course best?

explaining the history of an expression.

How much detail is needed by this audience in this situation?

W h e n 1 compare the alternatives in the light of their

consequences, which is best? Is the recommended

(d) drawing contrasts (including per genus et different'!am),

(e)

H o w important are these consequences - for all

those affected?

[7

H o w can 1 carry out this decision? (Contingency plans?)]

Judging credibility skilfully

1

Questions about the person/source:

H o w certain is it claimed t o be?

(a)

Do they have the relevant expertise (experience,

Does the context of the claim influence its acceptability?

knowledge and, perhaps, formal qualifications)?

Does it require expertise/research to decide?

Is it widely known or believed?

H o w well does it fit with our other beliefs?

Is it f r o m a credible source?

(b) Do they have the ability to observe accurately

(eyesight, hearing, proximity t o event, absence of
distractions, appropriate instruments, skill in using
instruments)?

Judging acceptability of claims skilfully

(c)

Does their reputation suggest they are reliable?

(d)

Does the source have a vested interest or bias?

Questions about the circumstances/context in which the

claim is made.

Questions about the justification a source offers in support

of the claim:
(a)

Did the source 'witness X' or was he 'told about X'?

(b) Is it based o n primary oi- secondary sources?

(c)

Is it based o n direct or circumstantial evidence?

(d) Is it supported by direct reference to credibility

considerations?
4

Skilful causal explanation

What are the possibilities in this case?

What evidence would count for or against the likelihood of

Questions about the nature of the claim:

(a)

Is it very unlikely given other things we know; or is it

these possibilities (if you could find it)?

3

very plausible and easy to believe?

(b) Is it a basic observation statement or an inferred
judgement?
5

Is there corroboration f r o m other sources?

What evidence d o you have already, or can you gather,

that is relevant t o determining what causes what?

Which possibility is rendered most likely by the evidence?

(What explanation fits best w i t h everything else we know
and believe?)