The Argument Clinic

The Argument Mapper

Uncover the hidden structure of arguments.

The Mapper, a tabby cat in a blue cloak and laurel wreath, with round spectacles, holding a scroll with an argument map

Map an argument with the Mapper

Already have an argument, either your own or someone else's? The Mapper helps you graphically depict it charitably. Choose this if you want to interpret an already-existing argument.

The author also says that we ought to prevent bad things when it costs us nothing comparable.

The Mapper

Now we have two premises, working together! How does the author support “We ought to prevent bad things when it costs us nothing comparable”?

Someone else’s argument, mapped charitably

In my essay, I argue that keeping animals in zoos should be illegal, because animals suffer in captivity.

The Mapper

Your conclusion and your first reason, on the map. What does your essay give in support of “Animals suffer in captivity”?

Create a graphical depiction of your own argument

The author gives two reasons that work together: we can be held responsible for what we do, and we can be held responsible only for what we do freely.

The Mapper

Two co-premises, drawn together. What does the argument give in support of “We can be held responsible for what we do”?

Interpret an argument

I’m done my argument.

The Mapper

Nicely done: a conclusion, two reasons.

Make it stronger with the Builder

The Builder can look over your argument with you to help improve it.

Pass it to the Builder
When you’re done mapping your own argument, pass your argument on to the Builder

Your argument map for the claim that keeping animals in zoos should be illegal

All done!

Save your argument map and discussion as images or PDFs to print or share.

Download
Download your map for your own safe keeping or to submit with your essay

How it works

Lay it out

Tell the Mapper the conclusion of the argument you want to map.

Watch it take shape

The Mapper asks you questions to help uncover the structure of the argument. The argument map grows as you chat.

Get it right

Map and make corrections until you’re satisfied you’ve captured the argument.

Build on it

Next, if you want, pass the argument over to the Builder to make it stronger.

Start mapping

“I knew what I thought. Now I know why I think it, too!”Person on the Clapham Omnibus
“The cat found a premise I didn’t know I was assuming.”Surprised Philosopher
“Finally, a picture of what Kant was saying. Well, a picture.”Puzzled Undergraduate

Want to make your own argument stronger? Try the Builder. Weary of your beliefs? Debate the Skeptic.