FORMATION OF ARGUMENT

narrative
structure
Academic writing

Logical Structure
Claim --
Thesis
Premise
Grounds
Warrant
1. INTRODUCTION
2. NARRATION
3. CONFIRMATION
4. REFUTATION AND CONCESSION
5. SUMMATION
 To standardize an argument is set it out in in the
standard form; to set out its premises and
conclusion in clear, simple statements with premises
preceding the conclusion (25).

In standardizing an argument we assign an

identifier (a number, though it could just as well be
a letter or other symbol) to each statement so that
we can refer to specific statements efficiently.

It is a mistake to think that medical problems can be
treated solely by medication. Thats because medication
does not address psychological and lifestyle issues.
Medical problems are not purely biochemical. They
involve issues of attitude and way of life.

Standardized:
1. Medication does not address psychological and lifestyle
issues
2. Medical problems are not purely biochemical
3. Medical issues involve issues of attitude and way of life
Therefore,
4. Medical problems cannot be treated solely by
medication


1 2 3

4
 Some arguments proceed in stages
a subordinate argument
What: to accept
A subargument is useful in establishing
premises that your audience might not
already accept.

A computer cannot cheat in a game, because cheating
requires deliberately breaking the rules in order to
win. A computer cannot deliberately break the rules
because it has no freedom of action.

1. A computer has no freedom of action, Thus,

2. A computer cannot deliberately break rules

3. Cheating requires deliberately breaking rules

Therefore,

4. A computer cannot cheat.

In this argument (as standardized) premises 2
and 3 directly support the conclusion, while
premise 1 supports premise 2 in a subargument.

This can be diagrammed as follows:

2
+ 3