Mastering Argumentation: 5 Philosophical Tools for Success
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Introduction to Argumentative Tools
We've all encountered situations where a coworker, friend, or family member questions our views on ethics, politics, or religion. We believe we're correct—after all, we're philosophers. Yet, persuading others can be elusive. We often find ourselves at a loss for how to effectively argue our points. This leads us to wonder: Are we missing something?
The truth is, many of us lack knowledge about the strategies philosophers employ to construct compelling arguments and persuade others. Fortunately, these techniques are not hidden secrets. With some training and practice, you can master them. Here, we’ll explore five key argumentative tools that professional philosophers frequently use to engage with and challenge their opponents.
The Syllogism
The syllogism stands as one of the oldest tools in argumentation, forming the foundation of philosophical dialogue even today. Essentially, a syllogism consists of a logical deduction similar to those used by Aristotle. It follows a structured formula that connects premises to a conclusion. For example:
- Abortion is equivalent to murder.
- Susie underwent an abortion.
- Therefore, Susie is a murderer.
Aristotle posited that if the premises are true, the conclusion must also be true. This structure is prevalent in many philosophical debates. Recognizing and utilizing syllogisms can greatly enhance your argumentative capabilities.
Validating Arguments
To determine the validity of an argument, we assess its structure rather than its content. Consider this syllogism:
- All abortion providers have Watergate Salad for brains.
- Jim is an abortion provider.
- Therefore, Jim has Watergate Salad for brains.
In this case, if the premises were accurate, the conclusion would logically follow. Thus, while absurd, the Watergate Salad argument is technically valid. However, if the conclusion does not logically stem from the premises, the argument becomes invalid. For instance:
- All abortion providers have Watergate Salad for brains.
- Jim has Watergate Salad for brains.
- Therefore, Jim is an abortion provider.
Even if each statement is true, the conclusion doesn't logically follow, rendering the argument invalid. Understanding how to evaluate argument validity can give you an advantage in philosophical discussions.
Soundness in Argumentation
After establishing an argument's validity, it's crucial to assess the reliability of its premises. Reconsider this syllogism:
- Abortion is the same as murder.
- Susie underwent an abortion.
- Therefore, Susie is a murderer.
While the conclusion may seem valid, the premise that equates abortion with murder is hotly debated. Thus, while the structure is valid, the argument itself is unsound. A sound argument must be both valid and true in all its premises. It's important to recognize that a true conclusion doesn't guarantee soundness.
Recognizing Formal Fallacies
A frequently overlooked type of invalid argument is known as "affirming the consequent." This occurs with ambiguous conditional premises often introduced by "if." For example:
- If Jim the abortion provider meets protesters on his way to work, then he’ll enter the clinic from the back.
- Jim entered the clinic from the back.
- Therefore, Jim met protesters on his way to work.
This argument is invalid because the premises don't ensure the truth of the conclusion. By altering the statement to "if and only if," we can transform it into a valid argument. Being aware of formal fallacies like this one can help you avoid pitfalls in your own reasoning.
Understanding Axioms
An axiom is a statement that is true by definition, such as "All unmarried men are bachelors." While this may seem a strong premise, it ultimately lacks substance. In discussions about abortion, one might assert, "All murderers kill people." Although true by definition, this axiom may not hold up under scrutiny, especially regarding the contentious nature of personhood in abortion debates.
Many philosophical axioms are open to challenge, and identifying these can provide you with leverage in discussions.
Putting It All Together
The five philosophical tools discussed here are designed to question everyday beliefs about morality, politics, culture, and justice. They can help you critique others while also sharpening your own perspectives. Ultimately, you should strive to embody the qualities of a philosopher, and mastering these tools will set you on that path.
Additional Insights
For further exploration of argumentation in philosophy, check out the following videos:
This first video, "How to Analyze Arguments Like a Philosopher," offers valuable techniques for dissecting arguments.
The second video, "The Art of Winning an Argument: 32 DIRTY TRICKS of Schopenhauer - Part 1," reveals tactics that can give you an edge in debates.