Hi there!
When we talk, write, or tell a story,
we want to communicate something.
Sometimes the information is pretty straightforward
(as in 1 + 1 = 2),
but a lot of times, what we share
is not so straightforward, so we may need to
argue the point.
But when someone presents an argument
you don't simply accept it.
Or... do you?
Shouldn't you analyze it to see if it's a sound argument?
Stick around and let's talk about analyzing the argument.
[♪]
[ANALYZING THE ARGUMENT - PART 1] [♫]
Hi! Welcome to Snap Language. I'm Marc Franco.
An argument (or a logical argument)
is a set of ideas put together to support a point.
For example, this is a very simple argument:
"You like Japanese food,
so you'll love this sushi restaurant."
The claim is that,
because you like this, you'll also like that.
But is it a good argument?
If understand really well what an argument is,
you can then build arguments that support your ideas
when you speak or write.
And of course, when you listen to or read
someone's arguments, you can also make sure that
the arguments are well built or convincing.
[♪]
To build an argument, you need statements or claims.
One of these claims is a conclusion;
the other claims are premises
(they provide evidence to support your conclusion).
Let's look at a very simple example:
"Hawaii has hot weather year round and beautiful beaches,
so it is the best place for a vacation."
There are three claims in this argument.
The main point (or the conclusion) is that Hawaii is
the best place for a vacation.
Two premises support this claim:
(1) Hawaii has hot weather year round,
and (2) Hawaii has beautiful beaches.
Let's see how well this argument works.
What supports the point that Hawaii is the best place
for a vacation?
One of the premises (used as evidence)
is that it's hot there year round.
Well, if you like hot weather, yes... but... what if you don't?
And what if you'd rather go skiing? ...
Hmm...
The other premise is that Hawaii has beautiful beaches.
How do you define "beautiful?" Why beaches in Hawaii?
Aren't there other places in the world with "beautiful" beaches?
What if you prefer the mountains?... or the city?
We are not trying prove or disprove that Hawaii is
a great place for a vacation.
We're simply analyzing the argument in this example.
Even if you agree that Hawaii is a great vacation spot,
you may decide that this argument doesn't make a good case for Hawaii.
Let's look at another example. See if you can identify the claims,
and which is presented as the conclusion
and which are the premises that support that conclusion.
"Cell phones pose serious risks to their users.
"Several studies have shown a correlation
between cell phone use and the development of
brain tumors (Hardell).
"The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC)
classified cell phones as a possible cause of cancer."
(Pause the video now if you need time
to identify the claims.)
[PAUSE]
Premise 1 is here.
Premise 2 is here.
The main point (or the conclusion) is here.
But wait! Before you swear never to use a cell phone again,
let's analyze the argument.
Look at the premises again, and ask questions.
Are there problems with these premises?
Is there sufficient evidence to support the conclusion?
Researchers have found a correlation between cell phone use
and the development of brain tumors.
How good were these studies?
A correlation does not mean that cell phones were *the cause.*
Are there studies maybe that found no correlation?
The second premise is that they classified cell phones
as a possible cause of cancer.
A "possible" cause of cancer means the evidence is not "definitive."
Did they make that classification based on the same studies
mentioned in Premise 1?
If so, this premise is a bit redundant.
Again, right or wrong,
we're just analyzing the argument.
As a critical thinker,
you must challenge your assumptions
and other people's assumptions.
Just because something is in writing
doesn't mean it's a fact or "the truth."
Even if a conclusion *is* based on facts,
it doesn't mean it's a good conclusion.
You may want to take another look at our video
about distinguishing fact from opinion
for more information on this.
"Snap Language has videos about reading, writing,
and other topics.
Knowing how to use the language well
helps you think critically.
Therefore; you should subscribe to this channel
so you can get smarter through language."
Well, this argument is totally true.
Totally!
Well, I'll see you in Part 2...
For now, thanks for stopping by and watching this video.
I'm serious, though. Snap Language rocks!
[♪]
Bye!
[♫]