This is the argument. What is an argument and what can it be? What is the meaning of the word "argument"? What is an argument in a dispute

Most often, the purpose of our speech is to convince the interlocutor of our point of view. We strive to prove something, justify our vision, win an argument. In any case, argumentation plays an important role in such speeches.

The argument is a theoretical or actual tool to support a thesis.

Classification of arguments

Depending on what goal the speaker is pursuing, there is several types of evidence:

  • Persuasion argument - beliefs based on personal experience, designed to convey a point of view that is different from the existing one.
  • An argument of truth is a position based on scientific research.
  • The argument of time is something that has been believed for many years or even generations.
  • The argument of force is a destructive conversation, expressed in the use of physical superiority - “through fists”.
  • A reality argument is a fact that does not require proof, since it exists on its own.

The following can be used as evidence: axioms, postulates, laws of science, reality. It is from these layers that one should start in order to build the basis of the argument.

It is also possible to split arguments into psychological and logical.

Psychological evidence plays more on the subconscious and feelings of the listeners. Techniques of black rhetoric, emotional presentation, and exaggeration can be used here.

Logics

It is in a field such as logic that arguments are used especially widely. Because this is how you can prove the correctness of a particular judgment or theory. The truth of the thesis is confirmed by induction or deduction.

Induction– this is a proof from the particular to the general. Not the strongest base, but sometimes it’s impossible otherwise. Let’s say if we take the thesis “All birds cannot fly” and use the penguin and kiwi as an example.

Deduction– the path from the general to the specific. Let’s say there is a statement “All metals conduct electricity.” Steel is a metal, which means it is electrically conductive.

Rules for using arguments

If you want to confirm the thesis, then your evidence base must obey the following rules:

  1. Arguments must be reliable.
  2. The truth of the evidence can be confirmed without relying only on someone’s opinion and this thesis.
  3. Judgments used as arguments must be sufficient grounds to confirm the original thesis.

What is an argument in a dispute?

When classifying the arguments used during disputes, it is necessary to take into account what they are aimed at: the subject of the dispute or the interlocutor himself.

In the first case, the entire evidence base is aimed exclusively at the essence of the discussion. If the arguments comply with the rules stated above, then the entire judgment will be true.

If the arguments are aimed exclusively at the opponent, most likely the person using them simply wants to offend the interlocutor, shake his confidence, and undermine his authority in the eyes of the audience.

Among the frequently used arguments to the interlocutor, which are among the tools of “black rhetoric,” the following appeals are distinguished:

  • To authority. The discussant cites as arguments the words of significant people, scientists, and show business stars.
  • To the disadvantages. The argument is built on attacks on the interlocutor, ridicule and doubts about his competence.
  • To the ego. The most sophisticated technique for defeating an opponent is to put him in a situation where he cannot argue with you, because you have extolled him: “A smart person like you probably understands that...”.
  • To the audience. The disputant simply ignores his interlocutor and addresses the listeners directly, playing with their feelings. You've seen this picture if you've watched lawyers speak before a jury in movies or TV shows.
  • To the threat. If the interlocutor cannot be persuaded by arguments, he can be persuaded to his side by means of coercion.
  • Towards ignorance. Sometimes disputants turn to facts and arguments that are unknown to the opponent, who gives up when he finds himself in “foreign territory.”

Of course, the use of such manipulation schemes is not suitable for argumentation and clarifying the truth. However, such tools are often used to win an argument.

Algebra

In functions, an “argument” means the value independent variable. The function and its graph depend on the value of this number.

In another understanding, an argument is the data on which actions are performed.

Theology

In matters of religion, it is necessary to start from the fact that the existence of God is perceived as an immutable truth, not requiring proof, based on faith.

The same argument is made about the relationship between thinking and existence.

Astronomy

In this science, there is the concept of “pericent argument”. This indicator of the reference point of the orbit of the original celestial body relative to the equator of the other.

Thus, the term “argument” contains many contradictory or broad concepts. And it can only be defined in the context of a specific topic.

“Truth is born in dispute!” - We are all familiar with this statement. But in order for this truth to appear, it is necessary to use a sufficient number of arguments and facts. A fact is a unit of philosophy that does not require proof. And this meaning is familiar to many. What is an argument?

Philosophy

An argument represents the basis of evidence or that part of it on which reality is based or in which the main evidentiary power is contained.

Depending on the purpose pursued in proving, the argument can be of several types:

1. Argument ad hominem (calculated on prejudices). Here, the basis of evidence is personal premises and beliefs, as well as statements.

2. Argument ad veritatem (declaration of truth). Here the proof comes from a statement tested by science, society and objectivity.

3. Argument e consensus gentium. In this case, the proof is what has been believed from time immemorial.

4. Argument a tuto. The proof is decisive in case of insufficiency of other arguments; it is based on the judgment that if it does not help, it will not harm.

5. Argument a baculo (last argument). In this case, if all arguments have been exhausted, the last argument in the dispute is the use of physical force.

Logics

Let's look at what an argument is in logic. Here this concept is a set of judgments that can be used to substantiate the truth of a theory or other judgment. For example, there is a saying: “Iron can be melted.” To prove this, two arguments can be used: “All metals can be melted” and “Iron is a metal.” From these two judgments one can logically deduce the opinion being proved, thereby justifying its truth. Or, for example, the judgment “What is happiness?” The following arguments can be used: “Happiness is different for everyone”, “A person himself determines the criteria by which he classifies himself as a happy or unhappy person.”

Rules

Arguments (A), which are used in the process of proving the truth of a judgment, must be subject to certain rules:

a) arguments must be true opinions and judgments;

b) they must be those judgments whose truth can be established in any case, regardless of opinion;

c) arguments must be the basis of a proven opinion.

If any of the rules are violated, it will lead to logical errors that will make the proof incorrect.

What is an argument in a dispute?

Arguments that are used in a dispute or discussion are divided into several types:

1. To the merits of the matter. In this case, the argument relates to the issue being discussed and aims to justify the truth of the evidence. Here the basic provisions of any theories, scientific concepts and judgments, previously established facts, proven provisions, etc. can be applied.

If these arguments satisfy all the rules, then the proof in which they are used will be logically correct. In this case, the so-called ironclad argument will be used.

2. To a person. Such arguments are used only when there is a need to win an argument or discussion. They are directed to the opponent’s personality and affect his beliefs.

From a logical point of view, such arguments are incorrect and should not be used in a dispute where participants are trying to find the truth.

Types of arguments “to the person”

The most common types of arguments “to a person” are the following:

1. To authority. Here, in the discussion, the opinions and statements of writers, scientists, public figures, and so on are used as arguments. Such arguments may well exist, but they are incorrect. This is due to the fact that a person who has achieved success in a certain area cannot be an authority in other areas, so his opinion here may turn out to be erroneous.

An argument to authority can be applied using the authority of the audience, public opinion, the enemy, and even one’s own. Sometimes a person can invent authority or attribute judgments to people who never expressed them.

2. To the public. Here the person refers to the mood and feelings of the listener. In a dispute, he addresses himself not to his opponent, but to the audience, random listeners, in order to attract them to his side, thus exerting psychological pressure on his opponent. The use of arguments to the public is especially effective when its material interests are affected. So, if one opponent proves that the opponent’s opinion affects those present, then he will win their sympathy.

3. Towards the individual. The arguments are based on the personal characteristics of the opponent, on his shortcomings and advantages, tastes and appearance. If such an argument is used, then the subject of the dispute becomes the identity of the opponent in a negative light. There are also arguments that reveal the merits of the opponent. This technique is often used in courts when defending the accused.

4. To vanity. D This method consists of expressing a large number of praises and compliments to the opponent in order to touch him so that he becomes more flexible and softer.

5. To strength. In this case, one of the opponents threatens to use force or coercion. This is especially true for a person endowed with power or who has a weapon.

6. To pity. What an argument for pity is is quite clear. This is evoking pity and empathy in the enemy. Such arguments are often used by many people who constantly complain about the severity of life and difficulties in the hope of awakening sympathy and a desire to help in their opponent.

7. To ignorance. In this case, one of the opponents uses facts that are unknown to the opponent. Often people are unable to admit that they don’t know something because they believe that doing so will make them lose their dignity. That is why, in a dispute with such people, the argument of ignorance works ironclad.

All of the above arguments are incorrect and should not be used in a dispute. But practice shows the opposite. Most people skillfully use them to achieve their goals. If a person is noticed using one of these arguments, he should point out that they are incorrect and the person is not confident in his position.

Algebra

Let's look at what an argument is in algebra. In mathematics, this concept refers to an independent variable. So, when talking about tables where the value of a function from an independent variable is located, they mean that they are located by a certain argument. For example, in a table of logarithms, where the value of the function log x is indicated, the number x is the argument of the table. Thus, answering the question of what a function argument is, we must say that this is the independent variable on which the value of the function depends.

Argument Increment

In mathematics, there is the concept of “increment of a function and argument.” We already know the concept of “function argument”; let’s look at what argument increment is. So, each argument has some meaning. The difference between its two values ​​(old and new) is the increment. In mathematics this is denoted as follows: Dx:Dx = x 1 -x 0.

Theology

In theology, the concept of “argument” has its own meaning. Here the true proof is the divinity of Christianity, which comes from the prophecies and parables of the wise men, as well as from the miracles performed by Christ. The inextricable connection between thinking and being, as well as the belief that God is the most perfect reality, existing not only in thoughts, but also in the real world, also serves as evidence in the dispute.

Astronomy

In astronomy, the concept of the pericent argument is used. Thus, it represents a certain quantity that determines the orientation of the orbit of a certain celestial body in relation to the equatorial plane of some other celestial body. The latitude argument, used in astronomy, is a certain value that determines the position of a certain celestial body in orbit.

As you can see, it is impossible to give a definite answer to the question of what an argument is, since this concept has several meanings, which depend on the area in which this concept is used. Whatever argument a person uses to prove the truth in a discussion or dispute, it must have logical premises and be based on proven facts. Only in this case will the dispute be correct and true. In any other case, the dispute will be incorrect, and the opponent who uses such arguments will not be sure that he is right.

The complexity of the arguments that are used to prove the truth of beliefs, as well as the entire process of justification, is called argumentation, the main goal of which is to attract the opponent to one’s side in the discussion of a certain problem.

ARGUMENT

ARGUMENT

(Latin argumentum, from arguere - to represent, bring, prove). Argument, proof.

Dictionary of foreign words included in the Russian language. - Chudinov A.N., 1910 .

ARGUMENT

[lat. argumentum ] - 1) log. argument; judgments, provisions, facts used in the process of proof; 2) mat. an independent variable quantity, on the change of which the change in another quantity (function) depends.

Dictionary of foreign words. - Komlev N.G., 2006 .

ARGUMENT

proof.

A complete dictionary of foreign words that have come into use in the Russian language. - Popov M., 1907 .

ARGUMENT

proof.

Dictionary of foreign words included in the Russian language. - Pavlenkov F., 1907 .

ARGUMENT

lat. argumentum, from arguere, to represent, bring, prove. Proof.

Explanation of 25,000 foreign words that have come into use in the Russian language, with the meaning of their roots. - Mikhelson A.D., 1865 .

Argument

(lat. argumentum)

1) a logical argument that serves as the basis of evidence;

2) mat. an independent variable whose change determines the change in another quantity called a function; A. complex number r - angle φ in the trigonometric form of this number r = r (cos p + i sin 9).

New dictionary of foreign words. - by EdwART,, 2009 .

Argument

argument, m. [Latin. argumentum]. 1. Argument, reason given as evidence. A convincing argument. This is not an argument. A compelling argument. 2. Independent variable (mat.).

Large dictionary of foreign words. - Publishing House "IDDK", 2007 .

Argument

A, m. (German Argument fr. argument lat. argūmentum factual proof).
1. A logical argument that serves as the basis of evidence.
|| Wed. motive, reason.
2. mat. An independent variable whose change determines the change in another quantity (functions).

Explanatory dictionary of foreign words by L. P. Krysin. - M: Russian language, 1998 .


Synonyms:

See what “ARGUMENT” is in other dictionaries:

    Argument, proof, consideration, basis, reason. Wed. proof... Dictionary of Russian synonyms and similar expressions. under. ed. N. Abramova, M.: Russian dictionaries, 1999 ... Synonym dictionary

    argument- a, m. argument m., lat. argumentum. 1. log. A corollary drawn from two sentences. Sl. 18. An argument is called in logic when I compare two sentences with a certain third sentence, and seeing that both are similar to this third, I notice that ... Historical Dictionary of Gallicisms of the Russian Language

    ARGUMENT, argument, husband. (lat. argumentum). 1. Argument, reason given as evidence. A convincing argument. This is not an argument. A compelling argument. 2. Independent variable (mat.). Ushakov's explanatory dictionary. D.N. Ushakov. 1935 1940 ... Ushakov's Explanatory Dictionary

    - (lat. argumentum) ..1) a judgment (or a set of judgments) given to confirm the truth of another judgment (concept, theory)2)] Ground (part of the base) of evidence3) In mathematics, the argument of a function is an independent variable... Big Encyclopedic Dictionary

    - (lat. argumentum), l) a judgment (or a set of interrelated judgments) given in support of the truth of a class. other judgments (or theories). 2) A. in logic, premise of proof, otherwise called. basis or argument of evidence;… … Philosophical Encyclopedia

    argument- (incorrect argument) ... Dictionary of difficulties of pronunciation and stress in modern Russian language

    Argument- Argument ♦ Argument An idea used to support another idea, but not sufficient to support it. An argument is not proof, but something that replaces proof in its absence... Sponville's Philosophical Dictionary

    - (Latin argumentum), 1) a judgment (or a set of judgments) given in support of the truth of another judgment (concept, theory). 2) The basis (part of the basis) of the evidence... Modern encyclopedia

    ARGUMENT, in mathematics, a designation for an independent variable. For example, in the function f(x)=x2+3 the argument is x... Scientific and technical encyclopedic dictionary

    ARGUMENT, ah, husband. 1. Argument, proof. Vesky A. 2. In mathematics: an independent variable whose change determines the change in another quantity (function). Ozhegov's explanatory dictionary. S.I. Ozhegov, N.Yu. Shvedova. 1949 1992 … Ozhegov's Explanatory Dictionary

Books

  • The essence of time and its magnitude, or the missing argument in the dispute between common sense and the theory of relativity, N. Popov. The essence of time and its magnitude, or the missing argument in the dispute between common sense and the theory of relativity...

ARGUMENT, -a, m. 1. Argument, proof. Vesky A. 2. In mathematics: an independent variable whose change determines the change in another quantity (function).

ARGUMENT - books

...a collection of literary arguments necessary for writing an essay on the Unified State Exam in the Russian language. The manual will help you learn to formulate a text problem and independently select examples and illustrations...

...a collection of literary arguments on various problems in the source texts, as well as supporting theses. The book will help you learn how to formulate a text problem and independently select illustrative examples...

...a collection of literary arguments on various issues in the source texts, as well as supporting theses and quotations. The book will help you learn how to formulate a text problem and choose an example yourself...

... a bank of literary arguments with which you can write an essay-argument on the proposed text for the Unified State Exam in the Russian language (task 25), as well as an essay-argument on morality...

...n a bank of literary arguments, practical recommendations are given for their inclusion in the text of a creative work. The manual will help you master the skills of selecting literary arguments and, in accordance with the requirements...

ARGUMENT - words close in meaning

  • ARGUMENTATION, -i, g. 1. see argue. 2. A set of arguments (in 1 value). II adj. argumentative, -aya, -oe.
  • UNARMED, -th, -oe; -wives, -wife. Not carrying a weapon. Unarmed in a dispute (translated: does not have the necessary arguments). II essence...
  • ARGUMENT, -a, m. Thought, judgment, given to prove something, argument. Vesky d. Give new arguments. Your reasons...
  • WEIGHTFUL, -th, -oe; -ohm (book). 1. Having weight (1 value), heavy. 2. transfer Quite tangible, significant, convincing....
  • SCHOOLASTICS, -i, g. 1. Medieval philosophy, which created a system of artificial, purely formal logical arguments for...
  • HELPLESS, -th, -oh; - puppy, - puppy. 1. Needing help, unable to do something on his own. for myself. B. child. The patient is helpless...
  • ZIBKY, -aya, -oe; -bok, -bka and -bka, -bko. 1. Being in a state of slight vibration, swell; easily shaken...

lat. argumentum), l) a judgment (or a set of interrelated judgments) given in support of the truth of something. other judgments (or theories). 2) A. in logic - premise of proof, otherwise called. the basis or argument of the evidence; sometimes A. called. the whole proof.

Excellent definition

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ARGUMENT

lat. argumentum)

A judgment (or a set of interrelated judgments) by means of which the truth of something is justified. another judgment (or theory). When proving a certain proposition, A. are the grounds, or premises, from which the proposition being proven logically follows. For example, to prove the proposition “Iron is melting,” we can use two A.: “All metals are melting” and “Iron is metal.” Having accepted these two propositions as premises, we can logically deduce from them the proposition being proved and thereby justify its truth.

A., used in the process of proving a certain proposition, must satisfy the following rules:

1. A. must be true propositions.

2. A. must be judgments, the truth of which is established independently of the thesis.

3. A. must be a sufficient basis for the thesis being proven.

Violation of these rules leads to various logical errors that make the proof incorrect.

A. used in a discussion or dispute can be divided into two types: A. ad rem (to the merits of the matter) and A. ad hominem (to the person). A. of the first type are related to the issue under discussion and are aimed at substantiating the truth of the position being proven. The principles or principles of some theory can be used as such A.; definitions of concepts accepted in science; judgments describing established facts; previously proven provisions, etc. If arguments of a given type satisfy the rules listed above, then the proof based on them will be correct from a logical point of view.

A. of the second type do not relate to the essence of the matter and are used only to win a polemic or a dispute. They affect the personality of the opponent, his beliefs, appeal to the opinions of the audience, etc. From a logical point of view, these A. are incorrect and cannot be used in a discussion whose participants strive to clarify and substantiate the truth. The most common varieties are the following:

A. authority - a reference to statements or opinions of great scientists, public figures, writers, etc. in support of one's thesis. Such a link may seem perfectly acceptable, but it is incorrect. The fact is that a person who has received recognition for his success in one area cannot be equally authoritative in all other areas. Therefore, his opinion, going beyond the field in which he worked, may well turn out to be erroneous. In addition, even in the field in which a great man worked, not all of his statements or opinions are absolutely true. Therefore, the reference to the fact that such and such a person held such and such an opinion does not say anything about the truth of this opinion. A. to authority has many different forms. They appeal to the authority of public opinion, to the authority of the audience, to the authority of the enemy, and even to their own authority. Sometimes fictitious authorities are invented or judgments are attributed to real authorities that they never expressed.

A. to the public - a reference to the opinions, moods, feelings of listeners. A person using such an attack no longer addresses his opponent, but those present, sometimes even random listeners, trying to attract them to his side and with their help exert psychological pressure on the enemy.

For example, at one of the discussions on Charles Darwin’s theory of the origin of species, Bishop Wilberforce asked the audience whether their ancestors were monkeys. The biologist T. Huxley, who defended this theory, responded that he was ashamed not of his ape ancestors, but of people who lack intelligence and are unable to take Darwin’s arguments seriously. The bishop's argument is a typical argument to the public. To those who were present at this discussion that took place at the end of the last century, it seemed not entirely proper to have monkeys as their, even distant, ancestors.

One of the most effective types of speech to the public is a reference to the material interests of those present. If one of the opponents manages to show that the thesis defended by his opponent affects the financial situation, income, etc. of those present, then their sympathy will most likely be on the side of the first.

A. personality - a reference to the personal characteristics of the opponent, his tastes, appearance, advantages or disadvantages. The use of this A. leads to the fact that the subject of the dispute remains aside, and the subject of discussion turns out to be the personality of the opponent, and usually in a negative light.

For example, when a teacher, assessing a student’s answer, gives him a clearly underestimated grade, citing the fact that this student has not studied his homework before, that he does poorly in other subjects, that he once skipped class, that he is sloppily dressed, and etc., then he uses A. to the person.

There is A. to a person and with the opposite direction, that is, a reference not to shortcomings, but to the merits of a person. This kind of A. is often used in court by defense attorneys for the accused.

A. vanity - lavishing immoderate praise on an opponent in the hope that, touched by compliments, he will become softer and more accommodating. As soon as phrases like “the opponent’s deep erudition is beyond doubt”, “as a person of outstanding merit, the opponent...”, etc., begin to appear in the discussion, here we can assume a veiled A. to vanity.

A. to force - a threat of unpleasant consequences, in particular the threat of violence or direct use of force. means of coercion. A person endowed with power, physical strength or armed is sometimes tempted to resort to threats in a dispute, especially with an intellectually superior opponent. However, it should be remembered that consent extracted under the threat of violence is worth nothing and does not oblige the consenter to anything.

A. pity - arousal in the other side of pity and sympathy. For example, a student who is poorly prepared to pass an exam asks the professor to give him a positive grade, otherwise he will be deprived of a scholarship, etc. This A. is unconsciously used by many people who have adopted the manner of constantly complaining about the hardships of life, difficulties, illnesses, failures, etc. in the hope of awakening in listeners sympathy and a desire to give in, to help in something.

A. ignorance - the use of facts and provisions unknown to the opponent, reference to works that he obviously did not read. People often do not want to admit that they do not know something; they feel that by doing so they are losing their dignity. In a dispute with such people, A. to ignorance sometimes works flawlessly. However, if you are not afraid to appear ignorant and ask your opponent to tell you more about what he is referring to, it may turn out that his reference has nothing to do with the subject of the dispute.

All of the A. listed are incorrect and should not be used in a dispute. However, a dispute is not only a clash of minds, but also a clash of characters and feelings, therefore the listed A. still occur in both everyday and scientific disputes. Having noticed an attack of this kind, you should point out to the enemy that he is resorting to incorrect methods of conducting a dispute, therefore, he is not confident in the strength of his positions (see: Dispute).

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