Paraphrasing an Argument
Analyzing Arguments
The premises of an argument may support its conclusion in different ways. The
number of premises and the order of the propositions in an argument vary. Two
techniques used to analyze argumentative passages are paraphrasing and diagramming.
Paraphrasing an argument
We paraphrase an argument by setting forth the argument's propositions
(numbering each in the order the propositions appear the passage) in clear
language and in logical order, listing each premises straightforwardly,
restating the conclusion in clear language and if possible simplifying the
language. "Paraphrasing an argument often helps us understand the argument
better, because, as we reformulate its constituent propositions, we must bring
to the surface what is assumed in the argument but is not fully
stated." Because many arguments contain tacit or unstated
premises, the paraphrase makes these unstated propositions explicit. Thus
in paraphrasing an argument follows these three steps: 1.) list and number each
proposition that is a premise 2.) state each premises
(including tacit premises) in clear language. 3.) state
the conclusion in clear language.
Example: paraphrasing Aristotle's argument for the first princple of his Ethics: the function argument.
Outline of the function argument in Book I Chapter 7 :
1.) Aristotle begins with the point that in all specific crafts the good is defined by the combination of two conceptions: the peculiar or unique ( idion , b34) function of the thing (knife, human body, and the eye) and the activity of doing the peculiar function well or with excellence. The good typist is a person who can do the function of typing and do the activity of typing quickly making only a few if any mistakes. (See the Topics , Book I, chapter 5,102a18-28)
2.) Aristotle then argues by that the whole life of a human being must have a function .
a. Premise1: every craft has a function
b. Premise2: every part of the human body has a function.
c. Therefore, the life of a human being is not without a function (good for nothing). ( b28-33 )
3.) The question then becomes: what is peculiar function of animals that are human beings?
4.) Aristotle’s argument for ‘what our peculiar function is’ is an argument by process of elimination:
a. First, the human good or our ultimate end can not be the function of nourishment (nutritive soul) that keeps a living thing alive for we share this function with plants.
b. Second, the human good can not be the function of sensation (physical pleasure) for we share this function with the grazing animals (1098a1).
5.) Therefore, our peculiar function is doing virtuous activities of the human soul or the active function of the part of the human soul that has reason done with excellence. (Richard Kraut points out that we do share the function of reasoning activities with the Gods but the Gods are excluded from the class of things Aristotle is comparing: i.e., the human function is a relative peculiarity to the class of living things that includes plants, animals, and humans. It is not an absolute peculiarity .)
Links to Paraphrasing, Venn Diagrams. Fallacies, and Identifying
Premises and Conclusion
Marsha L. Richmond’s page on
paraphrasing
Identifying the Arguments of An Essay (Frank Edler)
Venn Diagrams
Venn Diagrams | More Venn Diagrams | Universal Syllogisms | Constructing Venn Diagrams |
Fallacies
Overview
of Fallacies | List
of Fallacies | Informal Fallacies
False Dilemma
| Straw Man
| Begging
the Question | Equivocation
| Appeal to Emotion
Identifying Premises
and Conclusions