The importance of truth in writing. The importance of truth when performing research. The difference between truth and interpretation. Claims, Evidence & Reading. Arguing Effectively. Writing with Style.

1. Professor: Dr. William Martin,
Ph.D.
Writing Stylistic Arguments

2. •Combining theory and data into coherent arguments.
•Give examples of counterarguments.
•Explore strategies for developing a writing style.
•Learn the benefits of using the "laugh test".
Today’s Learning Objectives

3. René Descartes’ Discourse on Method (1637) inaugurated the
Rational Skepticism characteristic of Modern Scientific
Thinking. For example, in that text he argued that,
People are smart enough to learn
the
truth.
A problem must be divided into
solvable parts.
Note. Britannica ImageQuest
When solving a problem, go from
the easiest to the hardest parts.
When reviewing one’s reasoning,
omit nothing.
Do not accept anything as true
unless there is evidence to prove it.
The Dawn of Empiricism: René
Descartes

4. Writing & Research: Truth is based on
facts
Facts are not self-
evident
Facts can be
manipulated to suit
a
conceptual hypothesis
The meaning of any
fact is a matter of
interpretation
Facts are impossible to
be interpreted with
no comprehension of
the worlds
Facts only matter within

5. “Very few facts are able to
tell their own story,
without comments to bring
out their meaning.” - John
Stuart Mill
Writing & Research: facts are ONLY
interpretation

6. 1) Descriptive Statistics
Explain social
phenomena using
data patterns.
2) Inferential Statistics
Determine relationship
variability, whether its
due to scientific reasons
or chance.
Consider Two Types of Statistics
Most scientific facts are ALSO interpretations

7. The latter is “a statement
that exists between personal
judgements and proven
facts” (Johnson-Sheehan et
al., 2014, p. 374), i.e., isn’t
supported by rational pieces
of evidence.
Opinion vs. An “Arguable Claim”

8. 1) Develop an “arguable claim.”
3) Find reason-based evidence (logical statements/examples) to support
your claim.
Note. MS Stock Images
2) Classify your claim’s emergence
(definition, causation, evaluation, recommendation).
4) Locate authoritative evidence to support your claim
(experience/ethics/goodwill).
Arguing Effectively 1

9. Note. MS Stock Images
Argue in favor of the interpretation you prefer & against the best alternative explanations; or
assimilate both into a single explanation (good arguments are complementary!).
Counter or, if needed, disarm your opponents.
Avoid argumentative fallacies & deal fairly with the data.
Compare at least two interpretations of the same facts (every story has at least two sides).
Arguing Effectively 2: Tactics

10. Note. MS Stock Images
Admit when other people’s ideas have merit.
Do not fake, misinterpret, or otherwise, indiscriminately misuse data.
Address unpopular ideas.
Let other people judge your argument: “laugh test”
Deal Fairly with the Data

11. Note. EdWordle
Writing with Style: the four C’s

12. Writing with Style: The Paragraph

13. Recommended elements of a
paragraph:
- a topic sentence,
- a supporting sentence for
conveying evidence or
developing the argument,
and
- a conclusion with a
possible transition to the
next paragraph.
Paragraph Writing

14. Denotation vs.
Connotation
Note. MS Icons
Be precise and concrete, and use plain
English
Avoid using a series of synonyms and noun
clusters.
Avoid chains of relative
clauses.
Choose active over passive
verbs.
Writing with Style: Scaffolding
Writing with Style: Tips