aMap, short for ‘argument map’ is a new service designed to promote the art of arguing by mapping out complex arguments in a simple visual way across social media.
The basic concept of aMap is to help provide a stronger sense of structure to arguing, to enable people to argue more and better.
Logic Behind aMap
The theory behind aMap is based around “informal logic” – i.e. 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.
aMap Formats
aMap comes both in printed and internet formats. The printed, pocket-sized series of aMaps cover a mixture of weighty and not so weighty arguments. The interactive aMaps allow people to create their own interactive arguments so they can argue with friend online.
At present aMaps are available across Amazon.com and the aMap.org.uk website, with the titles being available in book shops in the coming months.
Uses of aMap
Although aMaps can be used just for fun and aMaps promoters are keen for teachers and lecturers to use aMaps to be used in the classroom and seminars to help students develop their reasoning and critical thinking in their essay writing and verbal communication.
aMap Founders
aMap has been developed over the last 2 years by Opinion Research agency Delib. The initial concept for aMap came from an initial academic research project into the how arguments could be visualised in a simple visual format between Delib, the new economics foundation and the London School of Economics.
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