Learn Different Types of Arguments and Argument Claims

3 Main Types of Argument

There are 3 types of arguments that you'll most likely encounter while writing an argumentative essay. These are:

Classical Argument 

The Classical or Aristotelian model of argument is the most common type of argument. It was developed by the Greek philosopher and Rhetorician Aristotle.

In the classical model, both sides of an argument are analyzed, and one side is proven right using clear evidence. 

This model efficiently utilizes Ethos (authenticity) + Pathos (emotion) + Logos (logic) to persuade an audience to a side of an argument.

The classical model argumentative essay takes into account the following things:

• Introduces the main claim or the argument of the essay.
• Present the writer's perspective on the argument. The reasons something is not working and why something should be done.
• Take into account the other side of the argument. Explain them in detail and refute them with the help of evidence.
• Provide clear evidence that proves that your side of the claim is true.
• Provide the conclusion which states the benefits of accepting your claim.
  

The structure of the classical model is as follows:

1. Introduction - hook, brief background, thesis statement
   
2. Body - topic sentence, facts & evidence to prove the argument
   
3. Counter argument - opposing arguments, evidence and reasons to refute the counter-arguments
   
4. Conclusion - restating the thesis statement, call to action and concluding remarks

Here is an example that follows this model:

Toulmin Argument 

The Toulmin model for argumentative essays was developed by Stephen Toulmin. Unlike the classical model of argument, it presents only one side of the argument. This model works well when there is no clear truth or an absolute solution to a problem.

It breaks the argument into 6 basic components: 

1. Claim
   
2. Grounds
   
3. Warrant
   
4. Backing
   
5. Qualifier
   
6. Rebuttal

The structure of the Toulmin model is as follow:

1. Introduction - thesis statement or the main claim
   
2. Body - facts & evidence to support the argument
   
3. Conclusion - rebuttal of counter-arguments

Here is an example outline of an argumentative essay about abortion in the Toulmin Model:

Rogerian Argument

The Rogerian model of argument was developed by Carl R. Rogers to provide a middle ground between opposing parties. This model works on collaboration and cooperation. It acknowledges that an argument can be looked at from different standpoints.

The objectives of the Rogerian model are:

• To show the reader that you have listened to their viewpoints and understood the complexities of the argument.
• To define the area where the writer acknowledges the reader's claim to be valid.
• Show the reader that you both share similar moral qualities and want to discover a solution that is mutually acceptable.
  

Each Rogerian model argumentative essay should define all of these aims.

The structure of the Rogerian model is as follow:

1. Introduction - Introduction to the argument and thesis statement.
   
2. Opposing position: An acknowledgment that there is another side of the argument.
   
3. State your claim: Your own perspective about the argument. 
   
4. Provide a middle ground: Carefully bring both sides of the argument together and provide a compromised solution. 
   
5. Conclusion - Concluding remarks that state the benefits of a compromised solution.

Here’s a short example:

You can follow any of these 3 types of argument essay models in your argumentative essay. These models will help you to write an argumentative essay in a well-structured and persuasive way. 

Types of Argument Claims

An argument claim, often simply referred to as a "claim," is a 

“declarative statement or proposition put forward in an argument or discussion.”

It is the central point or thesis that the person making the argument is trying to prove or persuade others to accept. 

Factual Claims

Factual claims are statements that assert something as a fact or reality. They are based on observable evidence and can be proven or disproven. 

For example, 

Value Claims

Value claims express personal opinions, preferences, or judgments about something. They are not about facts but about what someone believes is right, good, or important. 

For instance, 

Policy Claims

Policy claims propose a specific course of action or advocate for a change in the way things are done. They are often found in discussions about laws, regulations, or actions that should be taken. 

An example would be,

Causal Claims

Causal claims assert a cause-and-effect relationship between two or more phenomena. They suggest that one thing is responsible for another.

For instance,

Definitional Claims

Definitional claims seek to clarify or establish the meaning of a term or concept. They aim to set a specific definition or understanding for a particular word or idea. 

For example, 

Understanding these different types of argument claims can help you identify the nature of statements in discussions and debates. This makes it easier to analyze and respond to various arguments.

Other Common Types of Arguments 

Arguments can be classified into several types based on their structure, purpose, or logical form. Here are some more common types of arguments:

Deductive Arguments

These arguments aim to provide logically conclusive support for their conclusions. If the premises are true, the conclusion must also be true. Examples include:

• Categorical Syllogisms (All A are B. All C are A. Therefore, all C are B.)
• Disjunctive Syllogisms (Either A or B. Not A. Therefore, B.)
• Hypothetical Syllogisms (If A then B. B. Therefore, A.)
• Modus Ponens and Modus Tollens (If A then B. A. Therefore, B.)

Inductive Arguments

These arguments aim to provide probable support for their conclusions. The premises provide evidence that makes the conclusion likely but not certain. Examples include:

• Generalizations (inductive reasoning)
• Statistical syllogisms
• Analogical arguments

Abductive Arguments -H3

Also known as inference to the best explanation, abductive arguments propose that the best explanation for a set of evidence is a certain conclusion. It is commonly used in scientific reasoning.

Inference to the Best Explanation: 

• Premise 1: The ground is wet. 
• Premise 2: The weather report said it would rain today. 
• Conclusion: Therefore, it probably rained recently.

This abductive argument suggests that rain is the best explanation for the observed wet ground.

Causal Arguments

These arguments aim to establish a causal relationship between two or more events or variables. They often use premises about regularities or mechanisms to support a causal claim.

• Premise: Smoking cigarettes is a known cause of lung cancer. 
• Conclusion: Therefore, smoking cigarettes increases the risk of lung cancer.

This argument establishes a causal link between smoking and lung cancer based on known causal relationships.

Analogical Arguments 

These arguments draw parallels between two similar cases and argue that what is true in one case is likely true in the other.

For Example;

• Premise 1: Humans have a respiratory system.
• Premise 2: Birds have a respiratory system.
• Conclusion: Therefore, birds are similar to humans in having a respiratory system.

This analogical argument draws a parallel between humans and birds based on a shared characteristic.

Teleological Arguments

These arguments reason from the purpose, design, or end goal of something to its characteristics or existence.

For Example;

• Premise: The universe exhibits complexity and order.
• Conclusion: Therefore, the universe must have been designed by an intelligent creator.

This teleological argument reasons that the existence of order and complexity in the universe implies a purposeful design.

Moral Arguments 

These arguments aim to establish moral conclusions based on moral principles or judgments.

• Premise 1: Killing another human being is morally wrong.
• Premise 2: Euthanasia involves intentionally ending a human life.
• Conclusion: Therefore, euthanasia is morally wrong.

This moral argument derives a moral judgment about euthanasia based on general moral principles.

Evaluation Arguments

Evaluation arguments focus on assessing the quality, effectiveness, or value of something. They often involve making judgments based on criteria or standards. Here are the components of evaluation arguments:

• Subject 
• Criteria
• Evidence
• Conclusion

Tips to Structure an Argumentative Essay

You may have a very good and controversial argument in mind with strong evidence to prove it. However, if you haven't structured your argument properly, your argument is wasted.

Here are some tips that can help you structure your argument effectively:

• Choose a controversial and debatable topic. You can get ideas from our argumentative essay topics blog. 
• Decide the type of claim that you want to make and the type of argument structure you want to follow in your essay.
  
• Collect facts and evidence from credible sources and use them to support your claim and develop a strong argumentative essay outline.
  
• Study some argumentative essay examples to get a deeper understanding of how to develop an argument in the essay.
• Begin your essay with an arguable claim or premises.
  

Now that you've got the basics of different argument types, you're all set to start writing your argumentative essays.

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