ATLAS OF LANGUAGE

Contextual explanation · NAV-G01-051

Giving reasons

This explanation addresses the term in its originating context. It is not an additional canonical Atlas profile.

Explanation

Giving reasons presents grounds meant to make a claim, decision or action intelligible and defensible. Offering a reason does not establish its adequacy. In the link from proecthesis, placement matters: Burton describes a justifying reason supplied in conclusion.

Movement of thought

1. Identify what requires justification. 2. Name the offered reason. 3. Reconstruct its connection to the claim. 4. Assess relevance and adequacy. 5. Separate presentational effect from successful justification.

Example

“Because the room has only ten seats, we will split the group.” Space supports the decision under further assumptions about available alternatives.

Counter-test

“It happened because I was angry” may explain a cause without justifying an action.

Scientific use case

Argument analysis can distinguish reasons, causes and rhetorical placement.

Effect

Decisions become assessable, though a plausible story may conceal absent grounds.

Resonance

A demand offers another person a way to think through its grounds.

Distinction

Distinguish causal explanation, excuse and mere repetition of a claim.

Sources