In chapter 7, the subject we learned about is evidence. In previous chapters, we briefly went over things that are considered evidence. For instance, the terms grounds and backing for grounds, in the Toulmin Model was talked about as things used as evidence in arguments. Evidence is the support for a claim that the arguer discovers from experience or outside authority. In other words, evidence is proven fact that indicates that a belief or proposition in an argument is true. After reading this chapter, I found out that evidence has three ways it can support someone’s claim in argument. The three ways are by examples, statistics, and testimony. Out of those three ways, I think the most effective is showing evidence through examples. The other two ways are also highly effective but using testimony to prove something means that you will have to find someone credible enough to validate your argument. And who is there to say that the person you choose is credible enough to persuade your opponent or the person you arguing against. In addition, using stats can go wrong too. Numbers and percentages are often overlooked because people tend miscalculate all the time. With examples, you get a true point of something that happen before that proves to you its truth in a claim. All three are very useful and have its own way of showing validity in backing claims. I think evidence is the significance piece in support of arguments because everyone wants the conformation that you are telling the truth. For example, when you make statements trying to persuade someone in an argument. Their first comment back is, “Prove it”. This shows how evidence is a key component and that is something you will need to help win arguments in the future.
Chapter five focuses primarily on identifying and developing propositions for problems that people think are relevant. It goes over 6 steps for choosing a valid proposition based on a perceived “feeling of doubt.” While all six steps may not be necessary, the collectively ensure a well thought out and firm proposition. The six steps include identifying the question, surveying implicated objectives (or understanding what is the goal accomplishment in regard to the question), searching for new information, considering alternative options, considering costs and risks of each potential proposition, and then finally choosing one of the propositions. The authors then go on to talk about analyzing and strengthening the proposition chosen. This includes identification and ranking of the issues that the proposition addresses as well as understanding how the decision makers will react to these issues and propositions. In general, with all these methods of critically analyzing the proposition, ...
I really enjoyed reading your post! I absolutely agree that a lot of power comes from examples, but I'm not sure I agree that it is the most effective. I only say that because an example only comes from one person. While it is extremely difficult to find useful and credible information (statistics or testimony), the benefit is that the evidence is representative of many people. I think that example is a really good place to start because it can act as the foundation for the need to form an argument, but it likely needs to be proven necessary for more than one person.
ReplyDeleteOverall, I found your blog post to be very interesting and relatable as the concepts in my blog post are similar to yours. However, our blog posts differentiate as I stated that statistics, to me, is the most influential form of evidence as it provides support through the use of numbers, frequencies, and evaluating trends. So, when reading, I found statistics to be the most influential as it provides concrete evidence. Yet, after reading your blog post, I now better understand the influence that testimonies can have. I like how you stated that testimonies are delivered by credible people, as credibility is very important when using support for a claim. Also, I agree with your statement that evidence is significant in supporting an argument and can help win arguments as it helps to confirm what is being argued.
ReplyDelete