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](https://www.mindmup.com/tutorials/argument-visualization.html). The below video shows how you can use Mindmup to create an argument map.
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3l-lKu11cUI" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>
>[!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