Writing Arguments by DrWilliamMartin.pptx

The importance of truth in writing.
The importance of truth when performing research.
The difference between truth and interpretation.
Claims, Evidence & Reading.
Arguing Effectively.
Writing with Style.

1. Professor: Dr. William Martin, Ph.D. Writing Stylistic Arguments

2. Combining theory and data into coherent arguments. Give examples of counterarguments. Explore strategies for developing a writing style. Learn the benefits of using the "laugh test". Today’s Learning Objectives

3. René Descartes’ Discourse on Method ( 1637) inaugurated the Rational Skepticism characteristic of Modern Scientific Thinking. For example, in that text he argued that, People are smart enough to learn the truth. A problem must be divided into solvable parts. Note. Britannica ImageQuest When solving a problem, go from the easiest to the hardest parts. When reviewing one’s reasoning, omit nothing. Do not accept anything as true unless there is evidence to prove it. The Dawn of Empiricism: René Descartes

4. Writing & Research: Truth is based on facts Facts are not self-evident Facts can be manipulated to suit a conceptual hypothesis The meaning of any fact is a matter of interpretation Facts are impossible to be interpreted with no comprehension of the worlds Facts only matter within a specific concept.

5. “Very few facts are able to tell their own story, without comments to bring out their meaning.” - John Stuart Mill Writing & Research: facts are ONLY interpretation

6. 1) Descriptive Statistics Explain social phenomena using data patterns. 2) Inferential Statistics Determine relationship variability, whether its due to scientific reasons or chance. Consider Two Types of Statistics Most scientific facts are ALSO interpretations

7. The latter is “a statement that exists between personal judgements and proven facts” (Johnson-Sheehan et al., 2014, p. 374), i.e., isn’t supported by rational pieces of evidence. Opinion vs. An “Arguable Claim”

8. 1) Develop an “arguable claim.” 3) Find reason-based evidence (logical statements/examples) to support your claim. Note. MS Stock Images 2) Classify your claim’s emergence (definition, causation, evaluation, recommendation). 4) Locate authoritative evidence to support your claim (experience/ethics/goodwill). Arguing Effectively 1

9. Note. MS Stock Images Argue in favor of the interpretation you prefer & against the best alternative explanations; or assimilate both into a single explanation ( good arguments are complementary!). Counter or, if needed, disarm your opponents. Avoid argumentative fallacies & deal fairly with the data. Compare at least two interpretations of the same facts (every story has at least two sides). Arguing Effectively 2: Tactics

10. Note. MS Stock Images Admit when other people’s ideas have merit. Do not fake, misinterpret, or otherwise, indiscriminately misuse data. Address unpopular ideas . Let other people judge your argument: “laugh test” Deal Fairly with the Data

11. Note. EdWordle Writing with Style: the four C’s

12. Writing with Style: The Paragraph

13. Recommended elements of a paragraph: a topic sentence, a supporting sentence for conveying evidence or developing the argument, and a conclusion with a possible transition to the next paragraph. Paragraph Writing

14. Denotation vs. Connotation Note. MS Icons Be precise and concrete, and use plain English Avoid using a series of synonyms and noun clusters. Avoid chains of relative clauses. Choose active over passive verbs. Writing with Style: Scaffolding Writing with Style: Tips