How to Build an Argument with Argument Alice (Ep 01)

Summary

Dr. David introduces 'Argument Alice' to guide viewers through the fundamentals of building a debate argument. She emphasizes the three key components: claims, reasoning, and evidence, using the acronym CRE. Alice illustrates the process with the example of arguing against children having mobile phones, detailing the harmful effects of blue light on eyes and supporting the argument with evidence from a Washington Post article and a study by the University of Toledo.

Takeaways

• 🗣️ The importance of making an argument in a debate is emphasized as the most crucial element.
• 🏗️ An argument is constructed with three main components: claims, reasoning, and evidence, which can be remembered by the acronym CRE.
• 📝 A claim is a single, debatable assertion that states a point, distinct from a fact, which is not debatable.
• 🤔 Reasoning is the explanation for why a claim is valid, answering the question 'why' to support the claim.
• 📚 Evidence is used to prove the validity of a claim and convince the audience, including expert statements, research, and specific examples.
• 👀 The example provided in the script is that mobile phones may be harmful to kids' eyes, which serves as a claim in a debate.
• 💡 The reasoning for the claim about mobile phones includes the harmful effects of blue light, the inability of kids to stop looking at screens, and the difficulty for parents and teachers to control phone use.
• 🔍 Evidence from a Washington Post article and a study by the University of Toledo is used to support the claim about the negative effects of blue light on eyesight.
• 📈 The script illustrates how to structure a full argument within a speech, combining a clear claim, thorough reasoning, and solid evidence.
• 👥 The training encourages teamwork in building arguments for debates, highlighting the collaborative nature of debate preparation.
• 🍀 The script concludes with an encouragement to apply the learned skills in building arguments for future debates.

Q & A

What is the main purpose of the video script?

The main purpose of the video script is to train viewers on how to construct effective arguments, emphasizing the importance of claims, reasoning, and evidence.

Who is the character 'Argument Alice' in the script?

Argument Alice is a character introduced in the script to guide and train viewers on building expert arguments, illustrating the process with the concept of claims, reasoning, and evidence.

What are the three main building blocks of an argument according to the script?

The three main building blocks of an argument are claims, reasoning, and evidence, which can be remembered by the acronym CRE.

What is the difference between a claim and a fact as presented in the script?

A claim is an assertion or a debatable statement that requires proof, whereas a fact is a statement that is indisputable and not subject to debate.

How does the script define 'reasoning' in the context of an argument?

Reasoning in the context of an argument is the explanation for why the claims are valid, essentially answering the question 'why is this true?'

What role does 'evidence' play in an argument as described in the script?

Evidence in an argument is used to prove the claim's validity and to convince the audience of the claim's truth, often coming from expert statements, research, or specific examples.

Can you provide an example of a claim from the script related to mobile phones and kids?

An example of a claim from the script is that 'mobile phones will be harmful to kids' eyes,' which is a debatable statement that the script then supports with reasoning and evidence.

What are the reasons provided in the script to support the claim about mobile phones being harmful to kids' eyes?

The reasons provided include the harmful effects of blue light emitted by mobile phones, the inability of kids to stop looking at their phones, and the difficulty parents and teachers have in controlling mobile phone use.

What evidence is cited in the script to support the argument about the harmful effects of mobile phones on kids' eyes?

The script cites a study from the Washington Post and researchers at the University of Toledo, which found that exposure to blue light from smartphones can lead to the growth of poisonous molecules in the eyes, causing macular degeneration.

How does the script suggest concluding an argument in a debate?

The script suggests concluding an argument by summarizing the claim, explaining the reasons, and introducing the evidence to support the argument, as demonstrated in the example about mobile phones and kids' eyes.

What is the final advice given to viewers in the script regarding their debate preparation?

The final advice is for viewers to work with their teammates to build arguments for their debates, applying the knowledge they have gained about claims, reasoning, and evidence.