Argument

(argū-ment.) [ L. argumentum.] (Logic.) Aline of reasoning employed to convince an opponent or one ignorant of the subject. Locke observes that, in reasoning, men ordinarily use four sorts of A. The first is to allege the opinions of those whose parts and learning, eminence, power, or some other cause, have gained them a name, and settled their reputation in the common esteem, with some kind of authority; this maybe called argumentum ad verecund i am. A second way is to require the adversaries to admit what they allege as a proof, or to a ign a better; this he calls argumentum ad ignorant iam. A third way is, to pre a man with consequences drawn from his own principles or acts; this is known by the name of argumentum ad hominem. A fourth way is the using proofs drawn from any of the foundations of knowledge or probability; this he calls argumentum adjudicium, and observes that it is the only one of all the four that brings true instruction with it, and advances us in our way to knowledge.-(Lit.) The abridgment, or heads of a book, history, chapter, . [s. 46]