Argument Elements

An argument has to have a conclusion with at least one supporting reason.


Reason:
A cause, explanation, or justification for an action or event.


Evidence:
Something that supports a reason; this usually can be seen in the form of statistics.


Examples:
Something which is used as evidence to illustrate a principle.


Claim:
A statement or judgement that can be challenged.


Counter Argument:
An argument made that is against the conclusion.


Counter Assertion:
When a reason is presented that supports an opponent's argument.


Hypothetical Reasoning:
A claim in the form "If this ... then that ..." , if something happens it will cause something else to happen.


Assumption:
A missing reason in the argument. An assumption is essential for the conclusion to be drawn.

R.A.V.E.N

Reputation:
How reliable is the source or person that is providing the information.

Ability to Perceive:
A source using the five sense to assess an event or situation.

Vested Interest:
Personal interest leading to the expectation of personal gain from a favorable outcome.

Expertise:
Skills, experience and training that give someone specialist knowledge and judgment.

Neutrality:
Not being bias.

Credibility & Plausibility

Credibility:
Whether a claim or piece of evidence can be believed.

Plausibility:
Whether or not a claim or piece of evidence is reasonable.



All these points need to be included when evaluating the information you are given.

Witness:
A person who saw or heard an event.

 

Witness Statement:
A report by someone who has actually seen or heard an event.

 

Eye-witness:
Someone who provides evidence based on first-hand experience.

 

Hearsay:
Evidence based on secondhand information from another source, who may have interpreted it.

 

Source:
A person, organization or document providing information or evidence.

 

Corroboration:
Confirmation of support for evidence given by one source by another source.

 

Criteria:
Standards or measures against which something can be measured.

 

 

Bias:
A one sided opinion, persuading others to follow the same view.