It sounds like you're describing a process for critical analysis of an argument, often referred to as argument evaluation or critical reasoning. Here’s a clearer breakdown of the steps you might take in tracing an argument and assessing its validity:
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Identify the Claim: Determine the main argument or claim the author is making about the topic. What is the author's position?
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Examine the Evidence: Look at the evidence provided to support the claim. This could include data, statistics, expert testimony, examples, and anecdotes.
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Assess the Links: Evaluate how well the evidence supports the claim. Are the connections logical? Does the evidence directly address the claim, or are there gaps?
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Consider Value and Relevance: Determine whether the evidence is relevant and valuable to the argument. Is the evidence from credible sources? Does it apply directly to the claim?
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Recognize Author’s Perspective: Take note of the author's opinions or biases. How might their perspective influence how the argument is framed or how the evidence is interpreted?
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Evaluate Overall Coherence: Look at the overall coherence of the argument. Does the claim, supported by the evidence, hold up under scrutiny? Are there any counterarguments or alternative perspectives that should be considered?
By following these steps, you can effectively trace an argument, evaluate its strength, and understand how the evidence ties to the author's claims. This critical approach allows for a deeper understanding and analysis of the argument being presented.