Argument mapping

Argument mapping is the practice of schematically representing your Argumentation. You start an argument map by writing down the claim you want to make in a distinct box and then you connect this to other boxes, which can represent:

  1. Supporting reasons
  2. Objections

The supporting reasons and objections can in turn have their own supporting reasons and objections. Writing down argumentation in this way can help you understand or structure it. While it is a cumbersome task, it clarifies thoughts and supports critical thinking. The effort it takes is a feature, which is an example of learning by friction.

Still, there are digital tools that can be helpful to create neat argument maps. One example is the argument visualisation option of Mindmup. The below video shows how you can use Mindmup to create an argument map.

Note

Argument maps are not be confused with Causal maps, which are summaries of mechanistic explanations. Where argument maps visualize lines of reasoning behind a specific claim, causal maps visualize explanations of a specific phenomenon.

Tutorial on argument mapping

If you do not know where to start when argument mapping, check this online tutorial:

https://www.rationaleonline.com/explore/en/tutorials/tutorials/index.htm