Arguments,
made visible.
Argument visualizations display the logic of arguments, helping you organize and navigate complex information. They encourage clearly articulated reasoning and promote quick, effective communication — and, once you can see the moving parts, they let you activate your logical superpowers!
Conclusion (1.1): ‘You shouldn't feel bad that you're going to die.’. It is supported by one reason and opposed by one objection. A reason supports the conclusion, containing claims 2.1 ‘Death is inevitable.’ and 2.2 (implicit) ‘You shouldn't feel bad about inevitable things.’. An objection objects to the conclusion, containing claim 2.3 ‘Fearing death helps you live a long life.’.
Three ways in
What is argument visualization?
An argument visualization lays a conclusion at the top and hangs the reasons and objections beneath it, so the logic of the argument — what supports what, what has quietly been assumed, and where the weak joints are — becomes something you can point at rather than something you have to hold in your head.
Here you can find materials to help you learn this technique. Having laid bare the moving parts of complex arguments, you will be better equipped to discuss them and figure out your own views.
This site builds on resources created for the Princeton freshman seminar Philosophical Analysis Using Argument Maps, taught by Simon Cullen, Adam Elga, and Shamik Dasgupta.
Teaching with argument maps, or just want to keep up? Join the mailing list to find out when new resources are released on Philosophy Mapped.
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