4. ConstructingArguments.pptVIP

Interactive practice Example: The motion says, “Only amateur athletes should be allowed to compete in the Olympic Games.” Analysis: The affirmative side should first define some key words clearly, like “allow” and “amateur”. Then they should argue that only amateur athletes are allowed in the Olympic Games is because of the following reasons: the Olympic Motto encourages everyone get involved in the Games; the Olympic Creed advocates that “the most important in Olympic Games is not to win but to take part in; the most important in life is not to triumph but to conquer.” And finally, the current Olympic Games are totally contaminated by commerce and lost in money. Another example might also well illustrate the three elements in an argument. The motion: Russia should shut down all its atomic power plants. The key elements in this motion might include: claim:? Russia’s atomic power plants are likely to cause hazardous outcome. Relevant evidence: Accident in Chernobyl atomic power plants caused big casualties. Logic reasoning(link): Russia has many other atomic power plants, which are similar to that in Chernobyl. In this example, it is relatively easy to understand the first two elements because they are clearly interpreted in the motion. However, the third element is relatively more difficult to identify because it is hidden and needs relevant knowledge. If these three elements are addressed in an extended way, a major constructive speech of the proposition side has been formed. (If you were to refute, how would you do?) The negative side must present refutation and rebuttal speech to argue that other atomic power plants may not have the similar condition as Chernobyl; therefore, it is illogical to say that Russia’s atomic power plants are likely to cause hazardous outcome. (a sample to attack reasoning through analogy) In a real practice of forming arguments, these three cant be separated; otherwise, the argument can be easily attacked by the opponents