What is argument mapping?

Both research and experience in the field of education show that critical thinking skills improve with argument mapping. Argument mapping is, roughly, making a picture of reasoning. More precisely, it is the graphic depiction of the structure of reasoning and argumentation.

Typically, argument maps are box-and-arrow diagrams, a bit like flowcharts. Like mind mapping, for example, argument mapping belongs to the family of ‘thought mapping’. Argument mapping is distinctive in that it focuses exclusively on reasoning or argument structure, and is specialized for that purpose.

History of argument mapping

Argument mapping has a long history. It can be traced back to the work of Charles Wigmore, who in the early part of the last century produced maps of complex legal argumentation.

Figure 1.1

In 1958, philosopher Stephen Toulmin published his influential book The Uses of Argument,

which presented a simple argument mapping scheme.

Figure 1.2

In the 1990s, with the arrival of the personal computer and graphics software, argument mapping started to become more widely used. One of the leaders in the field is Robert Horn, who has produced argument maps of very complex debates.

Figure 1.3

The most recent development has been the development of quality software tools /programs dedicated to producing argument maps, such as Rationale.

As you can see from these examples, there are many different kinds of argument mapping. What they have in common is the graphic rendition of evidential relationships, that is, how some claims are evidence for or against other claims.

Figure 1.4

Why Map Arguments?

There are many reasons to learn argument mapping:

1.  Argument mapping leads to better understanding. Graphical techniques enable your mind to deal more effectively with complex argumentations.

2.  Mastering the art of argument mapping will help build your general reasoning and critical thinking skills. Research conducted by Donahue et al. (2002), and Twardy (2004) and also Alvarez’ meta-analysis (2007) have shown that practice based on argument mapping is more effective than many other techniques for improving critical thinking.

3.  Argument mapping will help you produce a clear, strong, well-organized line of reasoning, which, after all, is a vital part of a convincing argument. Suppose, for example, you have to write an essay to defend your opinion. If you map out the relevant reasoning, you will become much clearer as to what it is, what you might need to add, its strengths and weaknesses and so forth.

4.  Argument maps will help you communicate your reasoning to other people. Ordinarily, we present reasoning in written or spoken forms, such as an essay or a debate. However, texts are very unreliable for this job. Very often, the reader or listener ends up forming quite a different interpretation of the reasoning than the one you intended. Argument maps are far more successful, because they present reasoning in a completely clear and unambiguous form.

5.  Argument mapping helps in the evaluation of reasoning, that is, deciding whether an argument is good or bad. Evaluation is crucial to critical thinking, since you should only accept things when they are backed up by solid reasoning. Argument mapping makes the structure of reasoning completely explicit, and so it helps you see strengths and weaknesses that would otherwise be obscured or hidden.

6.  Argument mapping helps people resolve disagreements rationally. Often in debates or arguments, people can have different interpretations of what the arguments actually are. Using argument mapping, people can share a common conception of the structure of the reasoning, and so agree or disagree about the substance of the issues, rather than being sidetracked by misunderstandings.

7.  Argument mapping can help you make better decisions. Anytime you need to make a decision on an issue on which there is a complex tangle of arguments, you will be better off when you map out the arguments to gain clarity and perspective.

8.  Finally, argument mapping can be interesting and fun! Of course, this is a matter of personal taste, but as a general rule the better you are at something, the more interesting and enjoyable you find it. We all engage in reasoning and argument every day, but most people do it quite badly. Somebody who has mastered argument mapping will be more likely to enjoy it.

The method Critical Thinking with Rationale includes a large amount of exercises with model answers enabling you to master argument mapping.