From the course: Analytical Thinking to Evaluate Conclusions

Unlock this course with a free trial

Join today to access over 24,600 courses taught by industry experts.

Analyze argument structure

Analyze argument structure

When it comes to analytical thinking, an argument isn't something negative to avoid. High-quality arguments are great for testing our ideas and sharpening our understanding. Analyzing the structure of arguments helps you separate strong arguments from weak ones, a necessary skill for evaluating conclusions because the strength of a conclusion depends on the quality of the arguments and evidence supporting it. Let's dive into a real problem. Our office plants are dying. To analyze this effectively, let's define three key terms. Claim: a statement or assertion that something is the case. For example, inconsistent watering is causing our plants to die. Conclusion: the judgment reached after considering evidence and reasoning. Conclusions are statements about what to do. For example, adjusting watering schedules will revive the plants. Argument: a set of statements, including one or more claims supported by evidence and reasoning that aim to persuade or justify a particular conclusion…

Contents