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The Four Steps to an Argument

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The Four Steps to Evaluating an Argument Sonya Walls
PHL/458
January 19, 2015
Lance Principe

The Four Steps to Evaluating an Argument
An argument can have many sides to it, depending on time and location. It can be used as a statement or simply a rebuttal. Although an argument is usually viewed as a negative connotation, it does have some positive aspects. The four steps to evaluating an argument are: state your argument fully and as clearly as can be, examine each part of your argument for errors that are affecting the truth, examine an argument for validity errors, and if any errors are found eliminate them(Ruggiero, 2012). Each step helps to spring forth the next steps. This allows the user to have a way to make a legitimate argument which makes using them easier and convenient for anyone. In this paper, each step is explained and used in the eyes of an attorney presenting new evidence in a case. Each requires different actions but if used properly, will create a positive outcome. The first step in an argument is to state your argument fully and as clearly as can be ( Ruggiero, 2012). This situation proves that clarification is important. In the instance of an attorney in the courtroom, while he is defending his client, he has to understand the importance of making sense, and he also has to make sure that his message is being conveyed to the judge in a manner that will represent his client in the best way possible. This sets a platform that shows validity. The judge cannot be convinced to side with the attorney and in most cases a defense attorney, without clarity. According to Merriam-Webster’s dictionary, clarity means being easily understood (2015). This also requires that the attorney use critical thinking to break down what’s being argued. It is a crucial position that is placed in the hands of the attorney, but it has to be done in order to move

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