Argumentation and Debate Overview

A form of communication where someone uses logical reasoning to convince others of their claim.

Formal, oral disagreement between opposing teams, each trying to convince an audience.

Debate is a type of argumentation, but not all argumentation is debate. Debate is more structured.

Willingness to use logic and reasons to support claims.

To gain acceptance of a claim in response to opposing claims.

Formal oral controversy between two opposing teams.

To persuade or convince the audience.

Placing a word or phrase in a broader category.

A debatable idea having two sides, needing audience support for a claim.

Point of contention in a lawsuit; a person's descendants or a group of securities.

An issue supporting the proposition, applicable to it.

Affirmative's duty to respond if negative refutes the case.

Initial case, which the negative must overcome to win.

Point of dispute in an argument, showing truth of a proposition.

Responsibility to respond to opposing arguments that can shift between sides.

The main point of disagreement or the crucial element in an argument.

Evidence in the form of written documents, public records, contracts, or pictures.

Evidence from oral statements of witnesses, observations, or expert opinions.

Evidence directly observed by a witness, possessing independent probative force.

Evidence not directly observed by a witness; a copy or a summary.

Visual depiction used to exemplify an idea or concept.

Can be direct, circumstantial, testimonial, or personal, depending on its source.

Effective illustrations should relate to everyday experiences, making them easily understood.

Evidence can be provided by statements of opinions, reports by investigative committees or private organizations

A form of reasoning that examines the relationship between an effect and its potential causes, considering factors like relevance, necessity, sufficiency, and potential counteracting causes.

A type of reasoning where the presence or absence of one object or attribute is taken as an indication of the presence or absence of another, suggesting a reciprocal relationship between them.

A fallacy that claims a statement is true simply because a supposedly valid authority says it, lacking any other supporting evidence.

This question assesses whether the proposed cause is logically connected to the observed effect. The cause must have a plausible connection to the effect for it to be considered a valid explanation.

This question asks if the proposed cause is the only possible explanation for the effect, or if other factors might also be contributing.

A type of reasoning where specific observations lead to a general conclusion. It involves drawing inferences from particular instances to form a broader generalization.

A type of reasoning where a general principle is used to draw a specific conclusion. It starts with a premise that is already established as true and applies it to a specific case.

A type of deductive argument that consists of three parts: a major premise, a minor premise, and a conclusion. The conclusion follows logically from the two premises.

The general statement that sets the foundation for the argument in a syllogism.

The specific statement that relates to the major premise in a syllogism.

The logical outcome derived from the major and minor premises in a syllogism.

A type of deductive argument that uses mutually exclusive alternatives in the major premise. It presents two choices, and then eliminates one, leading to the other as the conclusion.

Options that cannot exist simultaneously. If one is true, the other must be false.

A legal principle stating that the most reliable evidence should be presented in court. Secondary evidence, like copies or summaries, is generally inadmissible unless the original is unavailable.

Evidence that is a copy or summary of the original evidence. It's typically less reliable than original evidence.

Testimony provided by individuals with specialized knowledge or skills relevant to the case.

Evidence provided by individuals without specialized training, based on their personal observations or experiences.

Evidence created specifically for the purpose of supporting a certain claim, potentially lacking authenticity.

A statement in an argument used as a reason or support for the conclusion.

The main point or claim that the arguer is trying to convince the audience to accept.

Effective and sound reasoning that relies on justified premises, comprehensive information, and valid logic.