Argument mapping
Where thought takes shape
An argument map lays out the reasoning behind a conclusion so you can see it at a glance. ReasonSpace helps you build one, then weigh how well it holds up.
What is an argument map?
A picture of reasoning
An argument is a reason for believing something. An argument map shows each claim in its own box, and how the claims combine to support a conclusion - so the reasoning can be examined, questioned, and improved.
Mind map
Branches out from a topic, linking ideas by association. Good for brainstorming.
Concept map
Connects concepts through labeled relationships. Good for organizing knowledge.
Argument map
Connects claims through the inferences that support them. Built for the question: should I believe this?
Explicit inferences
Every step of the reasoning, out in the open
Most diagrams just draw a line from a reason to its conclusion. In ReasonSpace, that step is part of the map: an inference joining premises that work together to the conclusion they support.
Because the inference stands on its own, it can be questioned on its own. Are the premises true? If they were, would the conclusion really follow? Those are different questions, and ReasonSpace keeps them apart.
Assessment
Judge the parts, and the whole follows
Assessing an argument comes down to two questions: how sure can you be of each premise, and how strongly would the premises support the conclusion if they were true? Each answer is a point on a simple scale.
ReasonSpace does the rest, carrying your judgments up the map so every conclusion gets exactly the support its arguments provide - and never more than its weakest link allows.
Argument A
If a stranger entered at night, the dog would have barked.
The dog didn't bark.
If 1 and 2 were true, would 4 follow?
So the argument as a whole is...
No stranger entered the house at night.
In the classroom
Disagreement you can point to
Share a map with your class and have each student assess it. Every rating can carry a comment explaining it, and each finished assessment has a link to hand in or share.
When two students reach different conclusions, their assessments show exactly where they part ways, so the discussion is about one premise, not a vague clash of opinions.
Student 1
Student 2
Bring ReasonSpace to your classroom
We'd love to hear how you teach reasoning, and to show you what ReasonSpace can do for your students.
Contact ussupport@reasonspace.com