Skip to main content

Argument Structure 

Dona Warren - Department of Philosophy, the University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point

Welcome to this online study of argument structure! It is designed to help you to visualize the inner workings of arguments in order to more easily express arguments of your own and understand the arguments that other people present to you. I have every confidence that you'll find this material extremely useful, and I sincerely hope that you'll enjoy learning it.

This study is composed of seven units, each of which contains a presentation, the main slides from the presentation, the script of the presentation, and a few exercises to help you gauge your understanding of the unit. (Please note that my small bird helped me to record the presentations so if you hear little peeps in the background, don't assume that  there's a problem with your speakers.)

At the end of the units, you'll find a handbook that summarizes, frames, and unifies the important points of all the lessons. My hope is that you will print out the handbook and use it as a reference as you put these skills into practice.

I would, of course, be delighted to hear from you if you have any questions, comments, or feedback. You may reach me at dwarren@uwsp.edu . Enjoy!

I) Introduction: Basic Concepts

Presentation
Slides from the Presentation
Script of the Presentation
Guage Your Understanding Exercises

II) Lesson 1: Inference Indicators (with Premises and Ultimate Conclusion)

Presentation
Slides from the Presentation
Script of the Presentation
Guage Your Understanding Exercises

III) Lesson 2: Inference Indicators (with Subconclusions)

Presentation
Slides from the Presentation
Script of the Presentation
Guage Your Understanding Exercises

IV) Lesson 3a: Inference Erasers: "and" (with Dependent Reasons)

Presentation
Slides from the Presentation
Script of the Presentation
Gauge Your Understanding Exercises

V) Lesson 3b: Inference Erasers: "but" (with Dependent Reasons)

Presentation
Slides from the Presentation
Script of the Presentation
Guage Your Understanding Exercises

VI) Lesson 4: Theme Changers (with Independent Reasons)

Presentation
Slides from the Presentation
Script of the Presentation
Guage Your Understanding Exercises

VII) Conclusion: Quick Review

Presentation
Slides from the Presentation
Script of the Presentation
Guage Your Understanding Exercises

Argument Structure Handbook

©1993- University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point