Use specific and concrete examples

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 103 views

Introduction

Argumentation is a fundamental concept in various fields, including philosophy, logic, and communication studies. It involves the use of reasoning and evidence to support a claim or position. On the other hand, example is a common rhetorical device used to illustrate a point or make a claim more relatable. In this article, we will explore the relationship between example and argumentation, specifically whether example is a superset of argumentation.

What is Argumentation?

Argumentation is a complex and multifaceted concept that has been studied extensively in various fields. At its core, argumentation involves the use of reasoning and evidence to support a claim or position. It typically involves the presentation of a claim, followed by the provision of evidence and reasoning to support that claim. Argumentation can take many forms, including deductive, inductive, and abductive reasoning.

Types of Argumentation

There are several types of argumentation, including:

Deductive argumentation: This type of argumentation involves the use of a general rule or principle to arrive at a specific conclusion. For example, "All humans are mortal. Socrates is human. Therefore, Socrates is mortal."
Inductive argumentation: This type of argumentation involves the use of specific instances to arrive at a general conclusion. For example, "I have observed many birds flying south for the winter. Therefore, it is likely that all birds fly south for the winter."
Abductive argumentation: This type of argumentation involves the use of a hypothesis to explain a set of observations. For example, "I observe a strange noise coming from the attic. I hypothesize that it is caused by a stray animal. Therefore, I will investigate further to confirm or deny this hypothesis."

What is Example?

Example is a common rhetorical device used to illustrate a point or make a claim more relatable. It involves the use of a specific instance or case to support a general claim or principle. Example can take many forms, including anecdotal evidence, case studies, and hypothetical scenarios.

Types of Example

There are several types of example, including:

Anecdotal evidence: This type of example involves the use of a personal experience or anecdote to support a claim. For example, "I once knew someone who was able to learn a new language in just a few weeks. Therefore, it is possible for anyone to learn a new language quickly."
Case studies: This type of example involves the use of a specific instance or case to support a general claim or principle. For example, "The success of company X is a great example of how effective marketing strategies can lead to business growth."
Hypothetical scenarios: This type of example involves the use of a hypothetical situation to support a claim or principle. For example, "If a person were to be stranded on a deserted island, they would likely have to rely on their own resources to survive."

Is Example a Superset of Argumentation?

At first glance, it may seem that example is a superset of argumentation. After all, example is often used to support a claim or position, which is a fundamental aspect of argumentation. However, upon closer examination, it becomes clear that example and argumentation are distinct concepts.

Key Differences

There are several key differences between example and argumentation, including:

Purpose: The primary purpose of example is to illustrate a point or make a claim more relatable, whereas the primary purpose of argumentation is to support a claim or position.
Structure: Example typically involves the use of a specific instance or case to support a general claim or principle, whereas argumentation involves the use of reasoning and evidence to support a claim or position.
Level of abstraction: Example is often more concrete and specific than argumentation, which can involve more abstract and general claims.

Are All Kinds of Argumentation Arguments from Example?

While example and argumentation are distinct concepts, it is possible for example to be used as a form of argumentation. In fact, many types of argumentation involve the use of example to support a claim or position.

Types of Argumentation that Involve Example

There are several types of argumentation that involve the use of example, including:

Argument from analogy: This type of argumentation involves the use of a comparison between two or more things to support a claim or position. For example, "Just as a car needs gasoline to run, a computer needs electricity to function."
Argument from authority: This type of argumentation involves the use of the opinion or expertise of an authority figure to support a claim or position. For example, "Dr. Smith, a renowned expert in the field, has stated that this new technology is the future of medicine."
Argument from example: This type of argumentation involves the use of a specific instance or case to support a general claim or principle. For example, "The success of company X is a great example of how effective marketing strategies can lead to business growth."

Conclusion

In conclusion, while example and argumentation are distinct concepts, they are related and can be used together to support a claim or position. Example can be used as a form of argumentation, and many types of argumentation involve the use of example to support a claim or position. However, example is not a superset of argumentation, as it has a distinct purpose, structure, and level of abstraction.

Final Thoughts

The relationship between example and argumentation is complex and multifaceted. While example can be used as a form of argumentation, it is not a substitute for argumentation. Argumentation involves the use of reasoning and evidence to support a claim or position, whereas example involves the use of a specific instance or case to support a general claim or principle. By understanding the differences between example and argumentation, we can use these concepts more effectively in our own communication and argumentation.

Introduction

In our previous article, we explored the relationship between example and argumentation, specifically whether example is a superset of argumentation. We discussed the differences between example and argumentation, and how example can be used as a form of argumentation. In this article, we will answer some frequently asked questions about the relationship between example and argumentation.

Q: What is the difference between example and argumentation?

A: The primary difference between example and argumentation is their purpose. Example is used to illustrate a point or make a claim more relatable, whereas argumentation is used to support a claim or position. Additionally, example is often more concrete and specific than argumentation, which can involve more abstract and general claims.

Q: Can example be used as a form of argumentation?

A: Yes, example can be used as a form of argumentation. In fact, many types of argumentation involve the use of example to support a claim or position. For example, argument from analogy, argument from authority, and argument from example all involve the use of example to support a claim or position.

Q: Is example a superset of argumentation?

A: No, example is not a superset of argumentation. While example can be used as a form of argumentation, it is not a substitute for argumentation. Argumentation involves the use of reasoning and evidence to support a claim or position, whereas example involves the use of a specific instance or case to support a general claim or principle.

Q: Can all kinds of argumentation be classified as arguments from example?

A: No, not all kinds of argumentation can be classified as arguments from example. While example can be used as a form of argumentation, there are many other types of argumentation that do not involve the use of example. For example, deductive argumentation, inductive argumentation, and abductive argumentation all involve the use of reasoning and evidence to support a claim or position, but do not necessarily involve the use of example.

Q: How can I use example effectively in my argumentation?

A: To use example effectively in your argumentation, you should:

Choose relevant examples: Select examples that are relevant to the claim or position you are trying to support.
Use specific and concrete examples: Use specific and concrete examples that illustrate the point you are trying to make.
Avoid using anecdotal evidence: While anecdotal evidence can be useful, it is often unreliable and should be used with caution.
Use examples to support a general claim or principle: Use examples to support a general claim or principle, rather than simply to illustrate a point.

Q: What are some common pitfalls to avoid when using example in argumentation?

A: Some common pitfalls to avoid when using example in argumentation include:

Using anecdotal evidence: While anecdotal evidence can be useful, it is often unreliable and should be used with caution.
Using examples that are not relevant: Choose examples that are relevant to the claim or position you are trying to support.
Using examples that are too general or abstract: Use specific and concrete examples that illustrate the point you are trying to make.
Failing to provide sufficient evidence: Provide sufficient evidence to support the claim or position you are trying to make.

Q: How can I evaluate the effectiveness of example in argumentation?

A: To evaluate the effectiveness of example in argumentation, you should:

Consider the relevance of the example: Is the example relevant to the claim or position you are trying to support?
Consider the specificity and concreteness of the example: Is the example specific and concrete, or is it too general or abstract?
Consider the reliability of the example: Is the example based on reliable evidence, or is it anecdotal?
Consider the overall strength of the argument: Does the example support a general claim or principle, or is it simply an illustration of a point?

Conclusion

In conclusion, example and argumentation are related but distinct concepts. While example can be used as a form of argumentation, it is not a substitute for argumentation. By understanding the differences between example and argumentation, and by using example effectively in your argumentation, you can make your arguments more persuasive and convincing.