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Qualification in argument

Qualification in argument. What does it mean to “qualify”?. To limit the scope of a claim Qualification doesn’t make arguments bland or wishy-washy—they make them more responsible and reasonable Not realistic: Pride and Prejudice is the greatest work of fiction in literary history.

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Qualification in argument

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  1. Qualification in argument

  2. What does it mean to “qualify”? • To limit the scope of a claim • Qualification doesn’t make arguments bland or wishy-washy—they make them more responsibleand reasonable Not realistic: Pride and Prejudice is the greatest work of fiction in literary history. Qualified: Pride and Prejudice is one of the most impressive works of fiction from a 19th century female author.

  3. Using Qualifiers • Formal logic relies on universal premises • All humans are mortal • Unfortunately, we can’t argue with that—life, and the arguments that come with it, are a bit more complex • Limit your responsibilities as a writer by using qualifiers • The earlier the better, but sometimes you won’t know how to limit a claim until you’ve explored your topic

  4. Qualifiers Few It is possible Rarely It seems Some It may be Sometimes More or less In some cases Many In the main Routinely Most One might argue Often Perhaps Under these conditions Possibly For the most part If it were so In general

  5. Qualified Claims Unqualified: People who don’t go to college earn less than those who do. Qualified: In most cases, people who don’t go to college earn less than those who do. Unqualified: Welfare programs should be cut. Qualified: Ineffective federal welfare programs should be identified, modified, and, if necessary, eliminated.

  6. Sample Argument • Read the review from Pitchfork. • Identify the claim that the author is making. • How does he qualify his argument?

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