7. Arguing

Argument

navigationsearchThis article is about the subject as it is studied in logic and philosophy. For other uses, see Argument (disambiguation).

In logic and philosophy, an argument is an attempt to persuade someone of something, by giving reasons for accepting a particular conclusion as evident.^[1][2] The general structure of an argument in a natural language is that of premises (typically in the form of propositions, statements or sentences) in support of a claim: the conclusion.^[3][4][5] The structure of some arguments can also be set out in a formal language, and formally-defined "arguments" can be made independently of natural language arguments, as in math, logic and computer science.

In a typical deductive argument, the premises are meant to provide a guarantee of the truth of the conclusion, while in an inductive argument, they are thought to provide reasons supporting the conclusion's probable truth.^[6] The standards for evaluating non-deductive arguments may rest on different or additional criteria than truth, for example, the persuasiveness of so-called "indispensability claims" in transcendental arguments,^[7] the quality of hypotheses in retroduction, or even the disclosure of new possibilities for thinking and acting.^[8]

The standards and criteria used in evaluating arguments and their forms of reasoning are studied in logic.^[9] Ways of formulating arguments effectively are studied in rhetoric (see also: argumentation theory). An argument in a formal language shows the logical form of the symbolically-represented or natural language arguments obtained by its interpretations.

Definition of ARGUING

intransitive verb

1

: to give reasons for or against something : reason <argue for a new policy>

2

: to contend or disagree in words : dispute <argue about money>

transitive verb

1

: to give evidence of : indicate <the facts argue his innocence>

2

: to consider the pros and cons of : discuss <argue an issue>

3

: to prove or try to prove by giving reasons : maintain <asking for a chance to argue his case>

4

: to persuade by giving reasons : induce <couldn't argue her out of going>

— ar·gu·er noun

See argue defined for English-language learners »

See argue defined for kids »

Examples of ARGUE

1. She argued against the proposed law.
2. The senator argued in favor of lowering taxes.
3. He's always willing to argue for what is right.
4. She argued that the proposed law should be defeated.
5. He argued that it's far too early to make a decision.
6. No one can argue me out of doing this.
7. They started arguing about politics.
8. She would argue with anyone.

Origin of ARGUE

Middle English, from Anglo-French arguer to reprove, argue & Latin arguere to demonstrate, prove; Anglo-French arguer, from Latin argutare to prate, frequentative of arguere; akin to Hittite arkuwai- to plead, respond

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to ARGUE

Synonyms

assert, contend, maintain, plead, reason

Antonyms

disprove, rebut, refute

Related Words

adduce, cite, mention; claim, insist; affirm, aver, avouch, avow; advance, give, offer, propose, submit; advise, counsel, recommend, suggest, urge; convince, persuade; advocate, champion, defend, enforce, espouse, support; explain, justify, rationalize; consider, debate, discuss; confute, counter, disprove, rebut, refute

Near Antonyms

coexist, get along; accept, agree, assent, concur, consent