About aMap
Amala Singh
About aMap
aMap is short for 'argument map'. The idea's very simple - to promote
the art of arguing by mapping out complex debates in a simple visual
format.
aMaps come in two different formats:
- Printed pocket-sized aMap "argument guides", which you can buy here
- Interactive personalised aMaps, which you can make here
aMap has been developed by a team led by Chris Quigley of Delib (part
of Team Rubber) to promote the art of arguing. Initial concepts were
developed as part of an academic project in partnership with Perry
Walker from the new economics foundation, and various wonderful brains
from the LSE (see below for more info)
To learn more about aMap, read Chris Quigley's blog article entitled
"What and Why?" and also his post "How to win arguments and influence
people" for a bit more explanation of the theory.
For press information, visit our press pack page
The theory
aMaps are based around the same structure as "informal logic" - this
is the logic people use to argue in everyday life. Informal logic has
a four-tiered structure:
- Your position (I think . . .) - what you think overall
- Propositions (Because . . .) - reasons that support your position
- Arguments (As . . .) - supporting arguments that back up each of
your propositions
- Evidence (Supported by . . .) - supporting evidence to back up your arguments
(N.B. some people also refer to "arguments" as "minor propositions" -
in either case, the idea is that this tier is designed to back up your
prior "propositions".)
When put into use, you get something like this:
State their position "I think Man U are the best team in the Premiership"
State their proposition (reason) "Because they're the most successful
on the pitch"
State supporting argument "As they win the most silverware and have
the best players"
State supporting evidence "In 2008 Man U won the Champions League and
Ronaldo won best European Player of the year."
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Nandri,
Amala Singh
http://projectmadurai.tamil.net