Arguments! the staple of good communication of ideas and thoughts, perception and assumption. Who doesn't like to argue? From the complete stranger on the streets arguing about direction of the vehicle to the more rehearsed arguments that take place in the circular modern gladiatorial arena a.k.a. The Parliament. Although the people there seem to lack the expertise of gladiators, but certainly there is no lack of murky grit on their part. But we can talk about them later. Today we talk about that quintessential art that nobody seems interested in mastering - How to Make Good Arguments.
You probably think that "hey! I know this. I do this all the time on Twitter and Facebook comments section". But really, all we do there is trolling and imprinting and intimidating. But rarely do we put up well-defined set of premises to try and provide a reasonable explanation to the situation. And more rarer is the possibility that the the other person or ourselves will come out more knowledgeable about the subject. It almost always ends with snappy remarks and ego-boosting trolling.
To get to the bottom of the problem, we must first understand what is an argument and how to prepare ourselves to put in more useful effort without seeming like an angry presence.
You probably think that "hey! I know this. I do this all the time on Twitter and Facebook comments section". But really, all we do there is trolling and imprinting and intimidating. But rarely do we put up well-defined set of premises to try and provide a reasonable explanation to the situation. And more rarer is the possibility that the the other person or ourselves will come out more knowledgeable about the subject. It almost always ends with snappy remarks and ego-boosting trolling.
To get to the bottom of the problem, we must first understand what is an argument and how to prepare ourselves to put in more useful effort without seeming like an angry presence.
What is an Argument?
An Argument can be defined as "the communication between two or more differing individuals or groups, consists of structured flow of thoughts, ideas and reasons to support their views and beliefs, with the end goal of getting closer to the truth about the subject".
That is right.
It is not about winning, mate. It is about gaining more knowledge, shattering false claims. There has to be a structured flow of ideas. An argument is made with the purpose of consolidating the belief in an ideology.
Types of Argument
Now we move on to the more academic part. You must be thinking the learning about the types of argument is needless, 'like, there is not going to be an exam or anything in the end right?'. Rest assured, there is not going to be any exam, but having knowledge about the types of arguments allows you to choose the type of argument that would suit your belief. So, here we go on a brief academic tour.
Deductive Arguments - These arguments use known true facts as Premises and use these Premises to reach to a straight-forward conclusion. The only problem being, the Premises have to be true and known. So, for any abstract argument, you can't use deductive arguments.
Inductive Arguments - These arguments use Premises that are true but do not lead to the conclusion straight away. The conclusion is induced as the most probable result of the premises. These arguments are helpful in maintaining a consistent basis for an opinion.
Abductive Arguments - "When you have eliminated the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, is the truth." We all know who these words belong to. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. And it is the perfect definition for Abductive Arguments. These arguments do not use premises or facts, but only take the situation to its most likely conclusion. You have to eliminate all the impossible events and situations to reach at the most plausible conclusion. 'No shit, Sherlock!'
How To Make Good Arguments
'Yeah! Finally the thing I came here for! About time.' I can hear you saying. I really can. These voices from you travel to my head. I also realize that you don't need me teaching you how to win arguments, I am not a politician after all. But I feel like I should include my view of how a proper argument can/should be made. So just bear with me for a little longer.
- Decide if you are ready - Well, decide if you have enough faith in the opinion which you are about to defend. You need to believe fully in your opinion to be able to defend it.
- Be Clear - Clarity is a pre-requisite for any good argument. Do not blur the lines. Do not seem confused. And provide your view with proper explanation without any ambiguity.
- Foundation - Pick the basis of your opinion carefully. It should be the fact that is the most probable event. It must be as close to undeniable as possible. Build on from it.
- Analogies - Analogies are good to get your point across. And simple arguments can most easily be won by making proper analogies.
- Counterarguments - Keep a close ear to the arguments of the opponent. Find the flaws that you do not agree with and provide counterarguments.
- Fallacy - A Fallacy is when you make an assumption that is not true, an analogy that does not fit. So beware of these kind of mistakes. Think about your points clearly.
- Flexibility - You need to be flexible. If you agree with the opponent at any point, then show it. Use the points that he/she made and modify it to improve it in your favour.
- Rational - Be rational. Use logic and reason instead of extremist deference
So, that makes it a day! Or night, depending on when you are reading this. If this has been helpful, then do let me know. And if you have any abuses to hurl at me, I am open to them, as long as they are in the comments section. Every comment counts.
