Definitional Argument

These arguments are particularly

powerful in that they help determine what
something or someone is. Thus, they can
result in inclusion or exclusion.
They help us recognize that classifications
change over time and are the result of
cultural, social, and political forces.
Definitions often serve group agendas
while ignoring or attempting to silence
others.

Definitional Argumentation

We rely on definition for successful,

efficient communication.
Our ability to make an argument is limited
when we cannot appeal to values.
Contrary to the belief that values diminish
the validity of an argument by rendering it
mere opinion, values are a necessary part
of the argument.
Indeed, they are the very heart of an
argument.
Thus, evaluative terms are notoriously
difficult to define.

Sample Questions For

Potential Theses

Questions related to genus:

Is assisting in suicide a crime?
Is NASCAR a sport?
Is rap poetry?
What is an X [insert your own choice
here]

Questions related to species:

Is marijuana a relatively harmless drug
or a dangerous, addictive one?
Is Saudi Arabia an ally or an opponent
of the USA?
Is TVs Survivor a reality show or a
game show?
Is X a Y or a Z [Insert your own topic}

Questions related to conditions:

Should a woman be held to the same physical
requirements as a man in order to join the
military?
Should everyone pay the same percentage of
their income taxes regardless of their income?
Are high scores on the SATs a fair condition
for entrance into universities?
Must X occur in order for Y? [Insert your
topic]

Questions related to the fulfillment of

conditions:
Should academic scholarships count as
taxable income?
Should nontraditional educated
experiences, such as semesters abroad
and internships, count for college credit?
Should X be counted as Y for the
purposes of Z? [Insert your topic]

In summary, keep in mind that you

can approach an argument of
definition by:

Formulating a definition (What is X?):

Terrorism is any non-wartime act of violence
undertaken for political gain.
Challenging a definition (Y is not X.):
Violence undertaken as part of a revolt
against an oppressive regime is not terrorism.
Trying to determine if something fits an
accepted definition (Y is/is not X): The
Irish Republican Army is/is not a terrorist
organization.

Questions related to the membership in a

named class:
Is any recent president in a class with
Washington, Lincoln, and/or Roosevelt?
Is any writer today in a class with Shakespeare,
Janet Austen, and/or John Steinbeck?
Is any actor today in a class with Steward,
Gable, Hepburn, or Taylor?
Does X deserve the status of Y? [Insert your
topic]

.
Your

ability to credibly define your terms will help you to

contribute to a range of public discourse in influential ways.

Other items to consider:

Who is your specific audience?

What are the counter-arguments to
your proposed definition?
In other words, anticipate
oppositional stances.
How would you refute those
stances?