Overview
Argument Visualization lets you map out an argument so you can see the claim being examined, the reasons supporting it, and the objections challenging it.
It is useful when you need to understand how an argument is constructed rather than simply organize related information. You can use it for debates, discussions, academic or legal analysis, and other situations where you need to evaluate different sides of an issue.
Create an Argument Visualization map
Argument Visualization is created as a new map from the Mindmup Home dashboard.
- Click the drop-down arrow next to + New map.
- Select Argument visualization.
- Mindmup opens a new map using the Argument Visualization layout.
Argument Visualization is different from Standard Mindmup and Org Chart in this respect: you cannot switch an existing map to Argument Visualization or switch an Argument Visualization map to another map type.
Build an argument step by step
A useful way to build an argument is to begin with the conclusion you want to examine and then work downward through the reasoning.
Start with a claim, add reasons that support it, and add objections that challenge it. As the argument develops, add further reasons or objections to examine individual points. Finally, look at the inferences between points to determine whether the reasoning connecting them is convincing.
In practice, the process is:
- Start with a clear claim.
- Add reasons that support the claim.
- Add objections that challenge the claim.
- Develop individual reasons and objections with additional points.
- Examine the inferences connecting the points.
This gives you a way to explore not only the conclusion, but also the reasoning used to reach it.
Start with a claim
Every Argument Visualization map begins with a claim. This is the position, conclusion, or statement you want to investigate.
For example:
School uniforms should be required.
Once you have established the claim, you can build the argument around it by adding supporting and opposing points.
A clear, specific claim makes the rest of the map easier to develop because you can more easily determine whether a new point supports it, challenges it, or questions the reasoning behind it.
Add reasons to support a point
A reason provides support for a claim or another point in the argument.
Select the point you want to support, use Add child, and choose Add Reason.
For example:
School uniforms should be required.
→ They can make school dress expectations clearer.
You can add several reasons to the same claim and continue developing any of those reasons with additional supporting points.
You can also press Alt + S (Option + S on macOS) to quickly add a reason.
Add objections to challenge a point
An objection challenges a claim or another point in the argument.
Select the point you want to challenge, use Add child, and choose Add Objection.
For example:
School uniforms should be required.
→ But uniforms can be an additional expense for families.
You can add multiple objections to explore different challenges to the same claim.
Using objections is important because an argument map should help you test a position, not simply collect evidence in its favor.
You can also press Alt + O (Option + O on macOS) to quickly add an objection.
Add a reason or objection to an inference
You can also examine the inference between two nodes. An inference is the connection that represents the reasoning from one point to another.
To add a point to an inference:
- Select the connecting line itself.
- Use the floating quick menu.
- Select Add Reason or Add Objection.
This is different from adding a reason or objection to a node. Here, you are examining the connection between the two points.
For example:
Claim: School uniforms should be required.
Reason: Uniforms make dress expectations clearer.
You might accept the reason itself but question whether it actually proves the claim. In that situation, select the inference connecting the reason to the claim and add an Objection to that inference.
This lets you distinguish between questioning a point and questioning whether that point actually supports the conclusion.
Choose where to add your point
When deciding what to add to an argument, first identify what you are trying to support or challenge.
Use Add Reason when you have a point that supports a claim or another point.
Use Add Objection when you want to challenge a claim or point.
Select the inference when your concern is with the reasoning that connects two points. You can then add either a reason supporting that connection or an objection challenging it.
For example, a statement may be true without necessarily proving the conclusion that follows from it. In that situation, the problem may not be with the statement itself but with the inference connecting it to the conclusion.
Develop the argument further
Argument Visualization allows you to continue developing reasons and objections at different levels.
For example:
Claim: School uniforms should be required.
→ Reason: They can make school dress expectations clearer.
→ Reason: Clear expectations can reduce disputes about appropriate clothing.
An objection can also be developed:
Objection: Uniforms can be an additional expense for families.
→ Reason: Families may need to purchase specific clothing that cannot easily be reused outside school.
Continue adding points when they provide meaningful support, raise a relevant challenge, or help explain the reasoning behind an existing point.
Read the structure of an argument
Argument Visualization uses a Top-down structure. The main claim appears at the top, with the supporting and opposing points developing below it.
The relationships between points are also meaningful:
- Because indicates that a point provides a reason for the point above it.
- But indicates that a point objects to the point above it.
For example:
Claim
↓ Because
Reason
↓ Because
Supporting reason
An opposing line of reasoning might look like:
Claim
↓ But
Objection
↓ Because
Supporting reason
Following these connections lets you see how the argument progresses instead of viewing each node as an isolated statement.
Examine the strength of the argument
Once you have added reasons and objections, review the map from both directions.
Look at the reasons and ask whether they provide meaningful support for the claim. Then examine the objections and consider whether they weaken the claim or one of its supporting points.
Pay particular attention to the inferences between points. Ask whether the conclusion actually follows from the reason provided.
For example:
Claim: School uniforms should be required.
Reason: Uniforms make dress expectations clearer.
The reason may be reasonable, but you can still ask whether clearer dress expectations necessarily establish that uniforms should be mandatory. If that connection is weak, the inference itself can be challenged.
This makes Argument Visualization useful for identifying gaps in reasoning, not just organizing opposing viewpoints.
Example: Prepare for a debate
Suppose you are preparing for a debate about whether schools should require uniforms.
Begin with:
Schools should require uniforms.
Add reasons such as:
- Uniforms can make dress expectations clearer.
- Uniforms can create a consistent appearance.
Then add objections such as:
- Uniforms can create additional costs for families.
- Uniforms can limit students' ability to express themselves.
From there, develop the points that need further support or examination.
If you believe a reason does not actually establish the claim, select the inference connecting the reason to the claim and add an Objection to that inference.
The resulting map can show the main position, the arguments supporting it, the challenges against it, and weaknesses in the reasoning connecting those points.
Tips for building effective argument maps
Keep the main claim specific and easy to understand. Give each node a focused idea so that its role in the argument is clear.
When adding a point, ask yourself what you are actually doing: supporting a point, challenging it, or examining the connection between two points.
Use reasons to build support and objections to test that support. When the issue concerns whether one point actually leads to another, work with the inference instead.
Avoid adding nodes simply to make the map more detailed. Each point should help explain, support, challenge, or evaluate the argument.
Related features
- How to Customize Map Layout
- How to Customize Map Colors
- How to Customize Text
- How to Use View Options
- How to Use Keyboard Shortcuts
Build arguments that are easier to examine
Start with a clear claim, then develop the reasons and objections around it. When you need to go deeper, examine the inferences connecting the points. This helps you see not only what an argument says, but how its reasoning holds together.