Refutation 1 Definition the act of revealing weaknesses

Refutation 1. Definition - the act of revealing weaknesses in arguments, or of proving an argument to be false or erroneous. 2. Strategic Steps Step A: Analyze Audience Step B: Analyze Claims Step C: Decide to attack or not Step D: Select Posture 1

2. Step D: Select a Posture • Direct Refutation • Reassertion (Bolstering) • Compromise (minor repairs) • Counterproposal • Denial • Even if. . . • Source Derogation • Reservations • Qualifiers 2

3. Prepare for Refutation A. Blocking B. Probing and Questioning 1. Formal Interrogation 2. Cross X 3. Study the Flow C. Decide on Timing (Pre-empting) 3

4. Communicating Your Refutation • • State their point State the retort Explain and support your retort Show the impact on the entire case (“SO WHAT? ”) 4

5. Special Techniques • Dilemmas • Reduce to Absurdity • Residues 5

6. • • • Grocery List of Counterargument Tactics Argument is unclear Argument is insignificant Argument is irrelevant Argument is inconsistent Argument claims too much • Advantage not inherent • Claim does not follow • Evidence is unqualified, out of date, or inaccurate • Values are inappropriate • Low credibility of authority or opponent 6

7. What Proof is Not • No Proof Argument – Retort - Is there reasonable doubt? • Straw Man – Retort - Is this an accurate representation of the position? • False Dilemmas – Retort - Is this an accurate representation of the alternatives? • Begging the Question – Retort - What is really at issue? • Evaluative Characterization – Retort - Can you prove that characterization? 7