ATLAS OF LANGUAGE

AT-NAV-G01-023 · ATLAS 259

Argument

An argument connects one or more premises to a conclusion they are offered to support.

Part of the subject path Argumentation, Logic and Discourse

Why is this entry in the Atlas?

G · Foundational concept R2 · Necessary foundation

Argument provides a foundation for identifying reasons and conclusion within discourse. These roles do not depend on textual order or explicit statement. The entry supports examination of rhetorical procedures while distinguishing a grammatical argument and a quarrel as other uses.

Colours and admission grounds

The rectangular label identifies the entry function: F – linguistic figure or procedure; A – analytical concept; G – foundational concept; E – selected concrete case. The rounded badge indicates the admission ground: R1 – distinctive contribution; R2 – necessary foundation; R3 – justified illustrative case. This editorial rationale explains the current selection rather than claiming an undocumented original selection history.

Explanation

An argument connects one or more premises to a conclusion they are offered to support. In ordinary usage, “an argument” may also mean a single reason; analysis must specify its unit. Textual order does not determine inferential roles: a conclusion may come first, and reasons may remain unstated. Whether the connection succeeds is a further question. The term initially identifies a justificatory structure, not necessarily a sound or persuasive one.

Movement of thought

1. Identify the claim to be supported. 2. Collect the offered reasons. 3. Carefully reconstruct unstated assumptions. 4. Represent the claimed support relation. 5. Then evaluate quality and contextual adequacy.

Scientific use case

Argument analysis can segment discourse into support structures, expose assumptions and compare competing reconstructions.

Example

“We should open earlier: visitors regularly wait before eight, and we want to reduce waiting.” An observation and a goal jointly support a recommendation.

Counterexample

“We open at eight, and the wall is blue” is not an argument without a further connection. Adding “therefore” does not establish adequate support.

Distinction

Distinguish quarrelling, isolated assertion and a grammatical argument selected by a predicate. In Peirce's semiotics, an argument or delome is a sign type representing a rule-governed inferential relation; the originating link from Dicent concerns this specialised classification.

Effect on thought and perception

A claim becomes a position for which reasons can be requested.

Resonance

Assent is invited to rest on something another person can inspect.

Provenance

Parallel source review reconciled 2026-10-07; human specialist review not claimed.

Cite this entry

Reich, Michael (Hrsg./ed.): „Argument“. Atlas der Sprache, AT-NAV-G01-023. ATLAS 259, data model 1.6.0. https://atlasoflanguage.com/concept/AT-NAV-G01-023

https://atlasoflanguage.com/concept/AT-NAV-G01-023

The address remains stable; editorial content may evolve. Editorial reading state: 2026-10-15. Include your access date for precise references.