Developing an Argumentative Thesis:
Developing an Argumentative Thesis
Claim + Reason + Inference
Claim: something the writer wants the audience to think, feel, or do.
Reason: explains why the claim should be believed
Inference: an assumption shared by the writer and the audience that makes it
possible to see a valid logical connection between the claim and the reason (usually unstated)
C: You should fix this bicycle
R: because the wheel is about to fall off.
I: A broken bicycle can’t be ridden and may lead to injury.
Practice: People should not use illegal drugs because it is dangerous for their health. (Health is important, and things that are bad for your health should be avoided.)
Multiple Reasons
C: Responsible owners neuter their cats
R: because it prevents pets from wandering and helps control the population of feral cats.
I: Actions that control cat behavior and overpopulation are desirable.
Multiple Inferences
C: Stem-cell research should be banned
R: because stem-cell research is murder.
I: Stem cells count as human life and to end human life is wrong.
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Problem Claims
1) The claim is not debatable.
C: People should not drive drunk
R: because it is dangerous.
I: Drunk driving is dangerous.
2) The audience doesn’t share your assumption.
C: You should not drink
R: because God says it is wrong.
I: God exists. We believe in the same god, and we should do what God says.
Practice: You should recycle because it will help stop global warming. (Global Warming is real and can and/or should be prevented.)
3) The language of your claim can be interpreted in various ways.
C: Dr. Smith is an excellent professor
R: because he knows his subject well.
I: Excellent professors know their subjects.
Problem: Does knowing the subject necessarily qualify someone to be an excellent professor? Would an “excellent” professor also be an engaging speaker or outstanding teacher?
Solution: Dr. Smith is an excellent professor because he knows his subject well and is an engaging teacher.
4) The claim is circular- The reason restates the claim.
Example of Circular Reasoning
Interviewer: "Your resume looks impressive, but I need another reference."
Bill: "Jill can give me a good reference."
Interviewer: "Good. But how do I know that Jill is trustworthy?"
Bill: "Oh, Jill is certainly trustworthy. I can vouch for her."
C: Illegal drugs should be avoided
R: because they are against the law.
I: All illegal things should be avoided.
Practice: Active euthanasia is morally acceptable. It is a decent, ethical thing to help another human being escape suffering through death.
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