Notes on Argumentation: Topics, Causes, and Solutions, Study notes of Philosophy

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Invention is about creativity
Topical reasoning (topoi = location)  Common locations of argument  Empty vessels  Analytical  Heuristic: merging points of view. Topics  Starting points (places where you find ideas)  “where you’re coming from”  commonly used lines of argument
Another def  Categories that help delineate the relationships among ideas

Some common topics  Definition: o Genus/species  Comparison: o Similarity/different o degree (of similarity/difference)  Relationship: o Cause/effect o Contradictions/contraries  Circumstances o Possible/impossible o Past fact/ Future fact  Testimony o Authorities, witnesses, maxims or proverbs, rumors, oaths, documents, law, precedent, the supernatural  Some specific topics (values) o Just/unjust o Good/bad o Advantageous/disadvantageous o Virtuous/un-virtuous

Stock Issues of Argumentation  Problem: o Severe? o Recurring?  Cause o What is the root problem? o Explicit or implicit?  Solution o Effective? o Feasible? o Proportional to problem?  Side effects o Positive and negative o Negatives outweigh the original problems?
 Ex 1. People are dying o Problem: severe and it is recurring o Cause: People are not wearing helmets; therefore they’re getting injured and dying