The 10 types of arguments to use in debates and discussions

How to convince your interlocutors that you are right?

For a long time, mind scientists have believed that human beings are fundamentally rational animals, who think through logic.

However, this idea can be called into question, for example, whenever we analyze the types of arguments we usually use to defend our points of view in debates and discussions. Argumentative fallacies make constant appearances, and often neither we nor the interlocutor are aware of them.

However, this does not mean that there are no valid types of arguments through which we can contribute to debates in a solvent way. Here is a selection of the main types of arguments classified according to several criteria.

Types of arguments according to their content

First of all, we will look at the types of arguments classified according to the type of content on which they are based. These distinctions allow a better understanding of their nature and the way in which they are used.

Value-based arguments

These are arguments based on highlighting the ethical values of an option, whether good or bad.whether they are good or bad. This type of argument is useful if the topic being discussed is fundamentally philosophical and moral, i.e., if we are talking about what should be done and what actions should be prioritized.

However, they are not useful for describing objective reality, and in case they are used for this purpose, one can fall into a type of logical fallacy called argument ad consecuentiam.

2. Arguments based on descriptions

A general description is a way to gather several arguments into one to defend an idea.. For example, to argue in favor of the position that birds are dinosaurs, one can talk about the feathers found in many theropod fossils, about the anatomical similarities many of them had with present-day birds, etc.

3. Arguments based on data

These are a class of arguments based on very concrete and specific pieces of information, usually extracted from scientific research.usually extracted from scientific research or databases. They serve to reinforce arguments, offering them empirical support.

4. Arguments based on authority

In this type of argument, the position defended by an authority on the subject is pointed out as having more value than others.. In many cases, it can lead to a logical fallacy: after all, the fact that an idea is defended by a specialist does not make it true.

However, it is a consistent argument when the aim is to counteract a fallacy of authority. For example, if someone defends the idea that the Earth is flat because a neighbor who reads a lot has said so, it can be replied that the real specialists on the subject defend that it is rather spherical, implying that it is necessary to provide much evidence to refute this idea since both positions are not on equal terms.

5. Arguments based on definitions

These types of arguments are not based on how the world works, but rather on the use made of the on the use that is made of concepts and definitions.. However, in many cases these arguments are not effective, because the meaning of words can change depending on the time and context in which they are used.

6. Arguments based on experiments

In this case, the argument is supported by an experience carried out in the same place where the dialogue is taking place and which serves to support the idea defended by oneself. In addition, it is very useful for convincing, since it includes a "spectacular" part that is expressed beyond words, that is, in facts.

7. Arguments based on mental experiments

This type of argument is a mix between the two previous ones, since it is based on an experience in which It is based on an experience in which the interlocutor has to participate but which does not take place in the real world. It involves imagining a situation that progresses to a point where the only reasonable conclusion is that the idea we defend is fulfilled. For example, if someone says that he could never be friends with a foreigner, it is relatively easy to make him see the opposite through this type of argumentation.

Types of arguments according to the way they are used

If we have previously classified the types of arguments according to their content, we will now see how they can be used to show relationships between ideas.

8. Indication of the fallacy

These are types of arguments in which it is pointed out why the reasoning that someone has used is not valid, since it is based on a fallacy.. In other words, the other person's discourse is analyzed and the parts that in themselves are unfounded and misleading are highlighted.

9. Arguments of comparison

In this type of argument two ideas are compared with each otherIn this type of argument, two ideas are compared with each other to show how one of them is better than the other. They are effective in offering global evaluations on lines of argument.

10. Interpellation arguments

In these arguments a series of questions are asked to the interlocutor to demonstrate in real time to what extent he/she is wrong about an issue. on an issue. It is an exercise reminiscent of Socratic dialogue, since they lead the opponent to fall into a trap that is "within their own discourse, entering into contradictions.